How to Apply for Medicaid
A step-by-step guide to submitting your Medicaid application — what documents you need, how to apply, and what happens after you submit.
Before you apply
Before submitting your Medicaid application, confirm you're likely eligible based on your income and household size. Our Medicaid eligibility guide and your state's income limits are the best starting points.
Once you have a sense of your eligibility, gather the documents you will need to complete the application. Having everything ready before you start will make the process faster and reduce the chance of delays. Most states allow you to apply at any time — there is no open enrollment period for Medicaid, unlike private insurance marketplace plans.
Documents you'll need
The exact documents required vary by state, but most Medicaid applications ask for:
- Proof of identity and citizenship — Government-issued ID, passport, U.S. birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization.
- Proof of income — Recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefit statements, or self-employment records.
- Proof of residency — Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current state address.
- Social Security numbers — SSNs for all household members applying for coverage, including children.
- Medical expense documentation (if applying based on disability) — Medical records, physician statements, or disability determination letters if applying through a disability pathway.
- Immigration documents (if applicable) — Permanent resident card, visa, or other immigration status documents for non-citizen applicants.
Four ways to apply
Most states offer multiple ways to submit your Medicaid application. Choose the method that works best for your situation:
Online
Apply through Healthcare.gov or your state's Medicaid portal. Fast, available 24/7, and allows you to save your progress.
By mail
Download a state application form, complete it, and mail it with supporting documents to your state Medicaid agency.
In person
Visit your local Medicaid office, county social services office, or community health center for in-person assistance.
By phone
Call your state Medicaid agency directly. A representative can walk you through the application over the phone.
What to expect after applying
After you submit your application, here is what typically happens:
- Your state Medicaid agency receives and logs your application, typically sending a confirmation notice within a few days.
- The agency reviews your application and may request additional documentation if anything is missing or unclear. Respond to these requests promptly to avoid delays.
- For most applicants, a decision must be made within 45 days of application. If you are applying based on disability, states have up to 90 days.
- If approved, you will receive a determination letter stating your coverage start date. Coverage can often be retroactive to the first day of the month in which you applied, or even up to three months before your application date in some cases.
- If your state uses managed care, you may be asked to choose a Medicaid health plan. If you do not choose, the state may auto-assign you to one.
Apply right away if you have an urgent medical need. Many states allow retroactive coverage for up to 3 months prior to your application date, which means medical bills you have already incurred may be covered.
If you're denied
If your Medicaid application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The denial notice you receive must explain the reason for the denial and describe your right to a fair hearing. You typically have a limited window (often 90 days) to request a hearing. During the appeal process, you can present additional evidence, correct errors, or demonstrate that the agency applied the rules incorrectly. Seeking help from a legal aid organization or patient advocate can be valuable during an appeal.