How to Apply for Medicaid: Who Qualifies, What's Covered, and How to Enroll

Medicaid is the largest health insurance program in the United States, covering over 90 million Americans. It is jointly funded by the federal government and individual states and provides free or very low-cost health coverage to people with limited income and resources.

Medicaid covers a wide range of services: doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health care, long-term care in nursing facilities, and preventive screenings. In many states, dental and vision care are also included. There are usually no monthly premiums, and co-pays — if any — are very small.

Who qualifies for Medicaid depends on your state, but generally includes low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. As of 2010, the Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand Medicaid to cover all adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Most states have adopted this expansion, which opened coverage to millions of working adults who previously did not qualify.

You can apply for Medicaid any time during the year. There is no open enrollment window. You apply through your state's Medicaid agency, through HealthCare.gov, or through your local Department of Social Services office. The online application at HealthCare.gov is the most convenient option for most people.

Once approved, coverage can be retroactive — meaning it may cover medical bills from up to three months before your approval date, which can be a significant financial relief if you had unexpected medical expenses.

If you are not sure whether you qualify, you can use the prescreening tool at benefits.gov or call your state Medicaid office to speak with someone who can walk you through the eligibility requirements.