How to apply for Medicaid and CHIP

Medicaid insures people with a low income. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children. Learn about eligibility and how to apply for or renew coverage.

Find out if you are eligible for Medicaid

Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical benefits to eligible:

Adults with a low income
Children
People who are pregnant
People age 65 or over
People with disabilities

Find and check with your state’s Medicaid agency to see if you or your family members are eligible. Each state has its own requirements.

In general, eligibility depends on at least one or a combination of:

Age
Income level
Number of people in your family
If you are pregnant or have a disability

How to apply for Medicaid

You can apply for Medicaid any time of year in one of the following ways:

Find and check with your state's Medicaid agency to apply. You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for benefits.
Create an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace and fill out an application. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid, your information will be sent to your state agency. They will contact you about enrollment.

Find out if your child is eligible for CHIP

If your income is too high for Medicaid, your child may still qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It covers medical and dental care for uninsured children and teens up to age 19.

CHIP qualifications are different in every state. In most cases, they depend on income. Find out if your child qualifies for coverage with CHIP.

How to apply for CHIP

You can apply for CHIP in one of the following ways:

Find a CHIP program by state.
Create an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace and fill out an application. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for CHIP, your information will be sent to your state agency. They will contact you about enrollment.

How to renew Medicaid and CHIP coverage

Your state may review your information each year to decide if you are eligible for Medicaid. If they need more information from you, they will contact you about renewing your coverage. Learn more about renewing Medicaid and CHIP coverage, including: