Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
The federal government provides a portion of the funding for Medicaid and sets guidelines for the program. Medicaid programs vary from state to state. They may also have different names, like “Medical Assistance” or “Medi-Cal.” Medicaid is managed by individual state programs, which means they’re all a little different.
Benefits.gov has put together a list of facts and FAQs to help you find the answers you need.
Who can tell me if I am eligible for Medicaid?
Since Medicaid is administered by the Medicaid agency in your state, eligibility may vary from one state to another. You can contact your state Medicaid agency with questions, or see if you qualify by applying through your state agency or through the Health Insurance Marketplace on Healthcare.gov, where you must create an account to begin.
Alternatively, you can check your Medicaid eligibility by visiting the Medicaid program page on Benefits.gov and taking the questionnaire at the bottom of the page. Curious about other benefits you may be eligible for? Take our Benefit Finder questionnaire, which will automatically compare your eligibility for Medicaid programs and 1,000 other benefit assistance programs.
How do I apply for Medicaid?
There are a few ways you can apply to Medicare programs. First, you can apply by filling out an application on the Health Insurance Marketplace on Healthcare.gov, where you must create an account to begin the application process. After submission, if you meet the eligibility criteria for your state for Medicaid or CHIP, the Marketplace will send your information to your state Medicaid agency, who will contact you about enrollment.
After you submit your Marketplace application, you’ll also find out if you qualify for an individual insurance plan with savings based on your income instead. Plans may be more affordable than you think!
You can also apply directly through your state Medicaid agency.
How do I replace my Medicaid card?
If you’re wondering how to replace your Medicaid card, you should contact your state Medicaid agency. Your state Medicaid agency can help you get replacement cards and answer your questions about what services are covered, providers to use, and how to re-enroll.
How can I find a provider that accepts Medicaid or CHIP?
Each state Medicaid and CHIP program has its own provider network. To find a provider in your state, you should contact your state Medicaid agency for a list of providers.
Does Medicaid cover pregnancies, mental health, dental, nursing home, or long-term care?
Federal guidance requires states to cover certain benefits and others are optional, which means coverage for specific services can vary by state. To learn what your state covers, you should contact your state Medicaid agency. Family planning services are mandatory benefits and are provided in each state, as well as inpatient and outpatient care, nursing facility services, and transportation to medical care. To learn more about the Federal rules around mandatory and optional services, visit the benefits page on Medicaid.gov.
My state has been affected by a disaster, who should I contact if I have a question about our coverage?
If you’ve recently experienced a natural disaster or public health emergency, you should contact your state Medicaid agency regarding coverage. Your state agency can help answer your coverage questions and what to do when you have an access problem due to the declared emergency.
Where can I find more resources?
To discover more government benefits you may be eligible to receive, complete our Benefit Finder questionnaire. The Benefit Finder will ask you a series of questions and compare your answers with the eligibility requirements of over 1,000 government benefits to check your eligibility. While you cannot apply for benefits directly on Benefits.gov, we can help you find information on how to apply and direct you to the program’s managing agency who can answer your questions.
