Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Medicaid

Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.

How it's run: Run by each state
State guides: 51 of 51
Type of help: coverage

Medicaid in your state

Income limits, apply links and local offices differ by state. Choose yours for the details.

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Click a state to see Medicaid rules there

Expanded Medicaid
Did not expand Medicaid

About Medicaid

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding. It pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and other medical care. Medicaid is different from Medicare, which is for people 65 and older.

Each state sets its own rules about who qualifies and what services are covered. This means eligibility and benefits can differ significantly depending on where you live.

Who qualifies for Medicaid

Medicaid covers:

Adults aged 19–64In states that expanded Medicaid, most adults qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (133% plus a standard 5% income disregard).
ChildrenMedicaid covers children in most states, usually up to age 19, often with higher income limits than adults.
Pregnant peopleMost states cover pregnant people during pregnancy and for a period after birth.
Older adultsPeople 65 and older may qualify based on income and assets.
People with disabilitiesPeople with disabilities may qualify regardless of age.

Income limits vary by state and by category. The 2026 federal poverty guideline is $15,960 a year for one person and $33,000 for a family of four in most states (Alaska and Hawaii have higher poverty guidelines).

Not every state has expanded Medicaid. In states that have not expanded, income limits for adults may be much lower or adults may not qualify at all, depending on the state.

Applying is free. Only the state Medicaid agency decides if you qualify.

How to apply for Medicaid

You can apply at any time of year. There are two main ways to apply:

Through HealthCare.gov: Go to HealthCare.gov and complete an application. The site will send it to your state Medicaid agency. This works in most states.

Through your state Medicaid agency: Contact your state's Medicaid office directly. Visit Medicaid.gov to find your state's agency.

You can also apply by mail, phone, or in person in many states. Check with your state for the easiest way.

What documents you may need

When you apply, be ready to provide:

Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer)
Proof of citizenship or immigration status
Information about your household size and who lives with you
Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
Information about any current health insurance

Your state may ask for additional documents. Ask your state Medicaid agency what you need to submit.

What happens after you apply

The state will review your application and decide whether you qualify. This usually takes 30 days or less, though it may be faster in some states.

If you're approved, you'll receive a Medicaid card or number in the mail. You can use it immediately to get health care.

If you're denied, you'll get a letter explaining why. You can appeal the decision if you believe the state made a mistake. Your state's Medicaid agency will explain how to appeal.

Medicaid renewals

Medicaid coverage usually lasts for one year. Your state will send you a renewal form before your coverage ends. You must complete and return it to keep your Medicaid.

Make sure the state has your current address so you don't miss the renewal deadline. If you move, tell your state Medicaid agency right away.

If your income, family size, or other circumstances change, report the change to your state. This keeps your information current and makes sure you keep the right coverage.

CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program): CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. It works in all states.

Medicare: Medicare is federal health coverage for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities. It is not the same as Medicaid.

Marketplace insurance: You can buy private health insurance through HealthCare.gov. You may qualify for tax credits that lower your monthly premium.

Find help for your state

Each state has different rules. Visit your state's Medicaid page to learn about income limits, what's covered, and how to apply where you live:

The state income levels shown on this website come from Medicaid.gov and reflect state decisions as of December 1, 2023.

Medicaid guides

ACA SubsidiesFederal · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesPremium tax credits may lower the monthly cost of a health plan you buy through the ACA Marketplace.CHIPState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.MedicareFederal · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare is federal health insurance for older adults and some younger people with disabilities.

Official sources

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicaid

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