Applying for Medicaid or CHIP: What to Bring

Applying for Medicaid or CHIP is free and available at any time of year. The process can feel complicated if you are new to it, but most applicants complete it in a single sitting once they have gathered the right documents. This guide walks through where to apply, what to bring, and what to expect after submission. For a broader overview of how the programs work, visit the Medicaid and CHIP guide.

Where you can submit an application

Federal rules require states to accept Medicaid applications through multiple channels. You do not have to use every channel — choose the one most convenient for you.

Channel	How it works
Healthcare.gov	Screens for both Marketplace and Medicaid eligibility in one application; routes you automatically if you appear Medicaid-eligible
State Medicaid agency website	Each state has its own online portal; search your state name plus “Medicaid apply”
State-based marketplace	States with their own exchange (California, New York, etc.) have integrated Medicaid screening
In person	Local social services or Department of Health offices accept paper applications and can assist in person
By phone	Most state Medicaid agencies have a toll-free number and can take applications by phone
By mail	Paper applications are available in most states; allow extra processing time

If you apply through healthcare.gov and the system determines you appear eligible for Medicaid, your information is forwarded to your state agency automatically. The state then conducts its own eligibility determination and contacts you directly.

Step-by-step: the application process

1. Gather your documents (see the section below for the full list).
2. Choose your application channel — online, in person, phone, or mail.
3. Complete the application — you will be asked about household size, income, assets (in some states), immigration status, and current insurance.
4. Submit and receive a confirmation — keep any reference number the system gives you.
5. Wait for the eligibility determination — states must decide within 45 days (90 days for disability-related applications).
6. Respond to any requests for additional information promptly; delays in responding can slow your case.
7. Receive your approval or denial notice — the notice will explain the decision and, if approved, your effective coverage date.
8. If approved, choose a primary care provider if the state requires it or if you are enrolled in managed care.

Documents you will need

States may verify information electronically using data from the IRS and the Social Security Administration, so you may not need to present every document on paper. Still, having these on hand reduces delays.

Documents and terms you’ll see

• Proof of identity — a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. See identification in the glossary.
• Proof of income — recent pay stubs, a letter from an employer, self-employment records, or an IRS tax transcript. The state calculates income using MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income), which includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, and other sources.
• Proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or piece of official mail showing your current address in the state.
• Social Security number — or proof that you have applied for one.
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or immigration documents. See immigration status for the categories that affect Medicaid eligibility.
• Proof of household size — for a family application, documentation of who lives in the home and their relationship (birth certificates, tax returns, or school records).

Special situations that affect the application

Newborns: A baby born to a Medicaid-enrolled mother is automatically eligible for Medicaid for one year in most states. You should still report the birth to the state agency within a reasonable timeframe.

Pregnancy: Pregnant applicants may qualify for Medicaid under pregnancy-specific income thresholds that are more generous than the standard adult rules. Coverage can be retroactive to the first day of the month in which you became pregnant in many states.

People with disabilities: If your eligibility is based on a disability, the state may need to conduct a disability determination, which extends the processing window to 90 days. States may use a Medicaid-specific disability standard or defer to the Social Security Administration’s determination.

Immigrants: Eligibility depends on immigration status and, for most categories, a five-year waiting period after obtaining qualified immigration status. Some states use state funds to provide earlier coverage. Emergency Medicaid is available regardless of immigration status for acute medical conditions. For a detailed breakdown, consult your state Medicaid agency.

What happens after you apply

Once submitted, the state will review your application and may contact you to ask for additional information. It is important to respond promptly. Missing a deadline for requested documents can result in your case being closed.

You will receive a written notice — often called a Notice of Action — explaining whether you are approved or denied, the reason for the decision, your effective coverage date if approved, and your right to appeal if denied.

If you are approved, most states will send you a Medicaid card or provide an ID number. In states that use managed care, you may receive a list of health plans to choose from and a deadline for making your selection. If you do not choose a plan by the deadline, the state will assign one.

Appealing a denial

If you are denied, you have the right to a fair hearing — an administrative proceeding where you can present your case. The denial notice must include:

• The specific reason for denial, citing the applicable regulation
• Instructions for requesting a hearing
• The deadline for requesting the hearing (typically 90 days)

You can request a hearing by mail, phone, or in person, depending on your state. Many states also allow online requests. Legal aid organizations can assist at no cost if you need representation.

Renewing your coverage

Medicaid coverage must be renewed periodically, usually annually. Federal rules now require states to send renewal notices in advance and to attempt to renew coverage automatically using data from the IRS and other agencies before asking members to take action. If you receive a renewal form, complete it by the deadline to avoid a gap in coverage. If your circumstances have not changed, renewal is typically straightforward.

If you have questions about where to apply in your specific state, healthcare.gov’s eligibility screener is a good starting point regardless of where you ultimately complete the application.