How to get on Medicaid
You apply through your state's Medicaid office, not through a federal agency. The process starts with contacting your state health department or visiting your state's Medicaid website to request an application. Most states now let you apply online, by mail, or in person at a local office. You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and where you live. After you submit your application, your state has 45 days to make a decision, though some states finish faster.
The exact steps and what documents you need depend on which state you live in, because each state runs its own Medicaid program within federal rules. Some states have expanded Medicaid to cover more people; others have not. Your income limit, what the application asks for, and how long approval takes all vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- You apply directly to your state Medicaid office, which you can find through your state health department website or by calling 211.
- Most applications require proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of where you live.
- Your state has up to 45 days to decide, but many states complete applications faster if you provide all documents upfront.
- Income limits and what counts as income differ by state and by whether you are applying as an individual, parent, child, or older adult.
- If your state has expanded Medicaid, the income limit is usually around 138 percent of the federal poverty line; if it has not expanded, limits are much lower.
Finding your state's Medicaid office and application
Start by going to your state health department website and looking for the Medicaid section. Most state websites have a link to apply online or download a paper application. If you cannot find it, call 211 (a free referral line) and give them your state and county — they will tell you the exact office to contact and whether that office is currently taking applications.
You can also search "[your state] Medicaid" in a search engine and look for the official .gov website. Avoid third-party sites that offer to help you apply, because they may charge fees or collect personal information you do not need to share. The state application itself is always free.
Some states use a single application for Medicaid and other programs like SNAP (food assistance) and TANF (cash assistance). If you are applying for more than one program, you may be able to submit one form for all of them.
Documents you will need to provide
Every state requires proof of income, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address. The specific documents accepted vary, but here is what most states take:
| What You Need to Prove | Documents That Work |
|---|---|
| Income | Recent pay stubs (usually last 30 days), tax return from last year, letter from your employer on company letterhead, bank statements showing regular deposits, Social Security statement, pension or retirement statements |
| Citizenship or legal residency | Birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, green card, visa, or employment authorization document (EAD) |
| Current address | Utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days |
| Identity (usually) | Driver's license, state ID, passport, or tribal ID |
If you do not have a document, ask the Medicaid office what else they will accept. Many offices will take a signed statement from you instead of a formal document, or they will contact your employer or bank directly to verify information. Do not delay your application because you are missing one piece — submit what you have and ask what else they need.
Income limits and what counts as income
Your state's income limit depends on whether it has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. In states that have expanded Medicaid, the limit is usually around 138 percent of the federal poverty line. In 2024, that means a single person can earn roughly $1,900 per month and still be within the limit, though the exact number changes each year and varies by state.
In states that have not expanded Medicaid, the income limits are much lower — often 50 to 100 percent of the poverty line — and coverage is usually limited to children, pregnant people, parents, and older adults or people with disabilities. If you live in a non-expansion state and do not fit one of those categories, you may not be able to get Medicaid based on income alone.
Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. It does not usually include food stamps (SNAP), housing assistance, or one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements. Some states count part of your assets (savings, vehicles, property) toward the limit; others do not. Ask your state office what they count as income and assets before you apply.
The application timeline and what happens after you submit
Your state has 45 days from the date you submit your application to send you a decision. Many states finish in two to three weeks if you provide all required documents at once. If your application is incomplete, the state will send you a notice asking for more information — you usually have 10 to 30 days to respond, depending on your state.
If you are approved, your coverage usually starts on the first day of the month you applied, or sometimes on the day you submitted your application. Your state will send you a Medicaid card or a notice telling you how to access your coverage online. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal the decision.
If you do not hear from your state within 45 days, call the Medicaid office and ask for the status of your application. Bring your application number or the date you applied. Some states are slower than others, and following up can speed things along.
What to do if you are denied or if your circumstances change
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. The denial notice will explain how to request an appeal and the deadline to do so — usually 30 to 60 days. You can appeal by mail, phone, or in person, depending on your state. During an appeal, you can submit new documents or information that was not in your original application.
If your income, household size, or living situation changes after you are approved, you must report the change to your state Medicaid office. Some changes (like a job loss or a new baby) may increase your benefits or keep you covered. Others (like a significant income increase) may end your coverage. Most states let you report changes online, by phone, or by mail.
If you move to a different state, your Medicaid coverage ends on the last day of the month you move. You will need to apply for Medicaid in your new state. Some states have similar programs, but coverage does not automatically transfer.
Special enrollment periods and faster routes
If you have a may have access to life event — such as losing a job, having a baby, getting married, or losing other health insurance — you may be able to apply for Medicaid outside the normal application window. These are called may have access to events, and they let you apply at any time rather than waiting for an open enrollment period. Medicaid does not have the same enrollment windows as private insurance, so you can apply whenever your circumstances change.
If you are pregnant, disabled, or over 65, some states have faster or simpler application processes. Ask your state office whether you may have access to for expedited review. Some states also have presumptive may be able to access programs that let you get temporary coverage while your full application is being reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Medicaid if I am undocumented?
It depends on your state and your age. Some states cover undocumented immigrants for emergency services only. A few states cover undocumented adults for full Medicaid. Most states cover undocumented children regardless of immigration status. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 211 to learn what your state covers.
What if I have a job but my income is still low?
You can still apply. Medicaid does not require you to be unemployed. If your income is below your state's limit, you are within the income range. Bring recent pay stubs to prove your current earnings.
How long does Medicaid coverage last once I am approved?
Medicaid coverage is continuous as long as you remain within your state's income and other requirements. You do not have to reapply every year like you do with some other programs. However, your state may ask you to verify your information periodically, usually every 12 months.
What if I cannot afford to miss work to go to the Medicaid office?
You do not have to go in person. Most states let you apply online or by mail. If your state requires an in-person interview, ask whether it can be done by phone instead. Many offices will accommodate this request.
Can I apply if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?
Yes. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, a mailing address, or a post office box as your current address. Some states also accept a description of where you sleep. Contact your local homeless services or call 211 to find out what your state accepts.