How far back can Medicaid pay medical bills?

The answer: Up to 3 months back, if you were eligible

Medicaid may cover medical bills from up to 3 months before the month you applied. But you had to meet your state's eligibility rules during those earlier months for Medicaid to pay those bills.

This is called retroactive coverage. It helps people pay for care they got before Medicaid started.

How retroactive coverage works

When you apply for Medicaid, the agency looks back 3 months. If you were eligible then, Medicaid can pay for care you received in those months—even if you didn't have coverage at the time.

For example: If you apply in June and you were eligible in March, April, and May, Medicaid may pay bills from those months.

Your state decides whether to offer this benefit. It's free to apply, and only the state Medicaid agency decides if you qualify.

What you need to do

Keep bills and medical records from the 3 months before you apply. When you fill out your application, tell the caseworker about any care you received. You can apply for Medicaid anytime through your state Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov.

If Medicaid approves retroactive coverage, bills from those earlier months go to your new Medicaid coverage to be paid.