How to Apply for North Dakota Medicaid
Updated August 2026
North Dakota HHS accepts Medicaid applications through four methods, and the same application determines eligibility for both Medicaid and CHIP. Online and phone applications are processed by the Customer Support Center and routed to the appropriate Human Service Zone for your county.
Ways to apply for North Dakota Medicaid
- Online: Apply at hhs.nd.gov/healthcare/medicaid/apply. The online system is available 24/7 and routes your application electronically to your county Human Service Zone.
- By phone: Call 1-800-755-2604 (toll-free) Monday–Friday, or (701) 328-7068 in Bismarck. Staff can take your application over the phone or send you a paper form.
- In person: Visit your local Human Service Zone office. North Dakota has offices throughout the state. Find your county's office at hhs.nd.gov/service-locations/human-service/zones.
- By mail: Download and complete the Application for Assistance (for all programs) or SFN 1909 (for Medicaid only, if you are under 65 and not disabled) and mail to ND HHS, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, ND 58505.
Documents to have ready
Per ND HHS, the following documents speed up the application process. Not everything is required for every coverage group — MAGI-based groups (expansion adults, children, pregnant women) do not require proof of assets.
- Proof of identity — birth certificate, government-issued photo ID, or passport
- Social Security number (for each household member applying)
- Proof of monthly income — pay stubs, tax return if self-employed, pension or disability award letters
- Proof of residency in North Dakota
- Proof of immigration status, if applicable
- Proof of assets (checking/savings statements, CDs) — required only for aged, blind, or disabled applicants
- Disability determination or SSI documentation, if applicable
Processing times and what happens after you apply
Federal rules require Medicaid applications to be processed within 45 days (90 days for disability determinations). North Dakota HHS processes most routine applications faster. Once approved, coverage is retroactive to the first day of the month in which you applied.
If you are denied, you have the right to request a fair hearing. North Dakota HHS must provide written notice with the reason for denial. You can appeal by contacting the Customer Support Center or filing a formal appeal through the address on your denial letter.
If the birth mother was covered by North Dakota Medicaid on the day of delivery, the newborn is automatically eligible for Medicaid coverage for the first year of life. You still need to notify HHS to get a Medicaid ID for the child, but eligibility is automatic.
North Dakota Medicaid
Visit the official North Dakota Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →