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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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.
Income limits, apply links and local offices differ by state. Choose yours for the details.
Click a state to see Medicaid rules there
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.
Medicaid covers:
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.
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.
When you apply, be ready to provide:
Your state may ask for additional documents. Ask your state Medicaid agency what you need to submit.
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 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.
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.
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