Medicaid Enrollment
Check your eligibility and learn how to apply for Medicaid ahead of Open Enrollment, including the key documents you’ll need. You may also qualify for free phone service through Lifeline.
Medicaid Enrollment Tips: How to Get the Care You Deserve
When you’re feeling sick, the last thing on your mind should be bills. That's where Medicaid comes in.
At Assurance Wireless, we want to help you understand more about Medicaid and how to apply. This will help ensure you have the care you need, when you need it. We’ve put together this quick guide to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid offers healthcare to millions of people in the U.S., including adults with low income, children, pregnant individuals, seniors and people with disabilities. If you qualify, Medicaid can cover essential healthcare services like doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications and more. The best part? It's either free or at a very low cost to you.
Eligibility for Medicaid
Eligibility for Medicaid varies by state, but in general, it’s based on things like:
- Age
- Income
- Family size
- Pregnancy status
- Disability
To see if you or your family members are eligible, contact your state's Medicaid agency.
How to Apply for Medicaid
Applying for Medicaid is easier than you might think, and you can do it anytime. Here’s how:
- Contact your state’s Medicaid office: You need to apply in the state where you live. Each state has its own process, so they will guide you through the steps. Find your state’s contact, plus information on eligibility requirements and the enrollment process on the Medicaid website.
- Use the Health Insurance Marketplace®: Create a Healthcare.gov account, fill out an application, and if anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid, your information will be sent to your state agency. They’ll contact you about enrollment.
If you already have Medicaid, you can make changes to your plan during Open Enrollment, which starts Nov. 1.
Whether you are applying for the first time or changing your plan options, you can use your Assurance Wireless phone to visit the Medicaid website, call your state’s office or set up an account on the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Our free phone service helps keep you connected to these important resources.
What You’ll Need to Apply
When you apply for Medicaid, you'll need to provide some basic information, but the exact requirements depend on your state. In general, you should be ready to provide:
- Your name and date of birth
- Social Security number
- Monthly rent, mortgage, or utility payments
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2 forms)
- Details about any other government benefits or health insurance you have
Having these documents on hand will make the application process smoother.
What About CHIP?
If you have kids, it’s important to know about the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need assistance. Just like Medicaid, CHIP eligibility varies by state, and the coverage includes essential care like vaccinations, routine checkups and emergency services.
You can apply for CHIP through the same channels as Medicaid, making it easy to get your entire family covered.
You’re Not Alone
We understand how stressful it can be to navigate your healthcare options, but you're not alone. Whether you're applying for Medicaid, CHIP or complementary programs like Lifeline, there are resources available to make the process easier.
Open Enrollment for Medicaid starts on Nov. 1. Bookmark this page on your favorites and come back to it when you’re ready. When it comes to your health, having the right coverage shouldn’t be complicated.
You May Also Qualify for Lifeline
If you qualify for Medicaid, you may also be eligible for the Lifeline program. Lifeline provides free or discounted phone service to help you stay connected to healthcare providers, emergency services and loved ones.