How to Apply for Medicaid
Two ways to apply — through your state agency or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Medicaid Phone Number
| Phone | (800) 318-2596 |
| Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed some federal holidays) |
| Website | www.medicaid.gov |
USA Customer Care is an independent guide — not affiliated with Medicaid. Official website: www.medicaid.gov. Menus and numbers can change; always confirm on the official site.
Before You Begin
You can apply for Medicaid any time of year — there is no deadline. There are two main ways in: directly with your state Medicaid agency, or through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, which forwards qualifying applications to your state.
What You’ll Need
Have ready:
- Your Social Security number (and those of family members applying)
- Proof of income and your household size
- Citizenship or immigration documents for applicants
- Your state or ZIP code
Step-by-Step
- Find your state Medicaid agency at Medicaid.gov, or go to HealthCare.gov to apply through the Marketplace.
- Gather your Social Security number, income proof, and household details.
- Complete the application online, by phone (1-800-318-2596 for the Marketplace), by mail, or in person — options vary by state.
- If you apply through the Marketplace and appear to qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, your information is sent to your state to finish enrollment.
- Watch for a request for documents and respond quickly; remember you can apply any time of year.
Faster: Do It Online
Apply online at your state Medicaid agency (find it via Medicaid.gov) or at HealthCare.gov — both let you apply without a phone call, and the Marketplace sends qualifying applications to your state.
How to Apply for Medicaid — FAQ
Yes. Unlike Marketplace plans, Medicaid and CHIP have no open-enrollment deadline — you can apply year-round.
Income limits are based on household size and vary by state (many states cover adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level). Check your state agency or apply through HealthCare.gov to see if you qualify.
Medicaid Phone Numbers
| Health Insurance Marketplace (Medicaid & CHIP referrals) | (800) 318-2596 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed some federal holidays) |
| Marketplace TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) | (855) 889-4325 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Insure Kids Now (children's Medicaid & CHIP) | (877) 543-7669 |
More Medicaid Guides
Report an error · How we verify