How to Apply for Medicaid & CHIP

What help is available?

Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical benefits to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Am I eligible?

Check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if you or your family members are eligible for benefits. In general, it depends on at least one or a combination of

• Age
• Income level
• Number of people in your family
• If you are pregnant or have a disability

How do I apply?

There are two ways to apply for Medicaid:

• Contact your state Medicaid agency. You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for benefits.
• Fill out an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

How do I complain?

If you have a problem with Medicaid or CHIP services, you can file a complaint. These programs are managed by each state rather than the federal government. Contact your state’s Medicaid programto report your issue.

If your income is too high for Medicaid, your child may still qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It covers medical and dental care for uninsured children and teens up to age 19.

Is my child eligible for CHIP?

Rules to qualify are different in every state. In most cases, they depend on income.

How do I apply?

You have two ways to apply for CHIP:

• Find a program by state or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).
• Fill out an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Is there anything else I need to know?

• You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid or CHIP anytime during the year.
• Learn how to use your Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

• The Basic Health Program (BHP) offers affordable, continued coverage for people whose income shifts above and below Medicaid or CHIP levels.
• Get information on other common types of health insurance, such as Medicare, and find help paying for medical bills.

This information was first published on the U.S. Federal Government website at www.usa.gov/medicaid.