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The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) is committed to working in close partnership with states, as well as providers, families, and other stakeholders to support effective, innovative, and high quality health coverage programs. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are joint federal/state programs for which state Medicaid/CHIP agencies have full responsibility for all aspects of the administration and operation of the Medicaid program in their state, including determining eligibility for and enrollment into their programs.

How to apply for Medicaid

Eligibility Requirements

Medicaid eligibility criteria vary from state to state. Many states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover more low-income adults. If you are unsure if you might qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You might be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability, and other factors. You must be a United States (U.S.) citizen, a U.S. national, or have a satisfactory immigration status to be eligible for full benefits. Visit HealthCare.gov to take a quick screening to help you determine your eligibility for Medicaid/CHIP or other health insurance options.

Application Process

You can apply for Medicaid through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly with your state Medicaid agency. Don’t wait. 

APPLY THROUGH THE MARKETPLACE
APPLY THROUGH YOUR STATE MEDICAID AGENCY

How to check on the status of your Medicaid application or get a new Medicaid card

Your state Medicaid program will be able to help you.  Contact the office where you applied. If you don’t have the contact information for your state readily available, you can find that information here. 

Please contact your state for all state-related Medicaid questions

How to become a Medicaid Provider

State Medicaid agencies handle the enrollment of their own providers and to be a covered provider, you need to work directly with the state’s Medicaid Agency. If you don’t have contact information for your state, you can find provider enrollment information here.

Please contact your state for all state-related Medicaid questions

When to contact your State Medicaid Agency

In order to assist you in getting a timely response, please contact your State Medicaid Agency for any questions on the following:

  • Medicaid Eligibility
  • Coverage and Services
  • Liens and Third Party Liability (other insurance)
  • Provider Enrollment
  • Medicaid Claims
  • Lost Medicaid Card/ Replacement
  • Finding a Medicaid/CHIP Provider
  • Status of a Medicaid/CHIP Application

If you need assistance in any of the areas noted, you will need to contact the agency for Medicaid/CHIP in your state of residence or the state you have questions about in order to receive assistance. Please contact your state for all state-related Medicaid questions.

Still not sure who to contact?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is equipped to assist with general policy guidance, grants and reimbursements, and technical assistance related to specific initiatives and information systems.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

Toll-Free: 877-267-2323
Local: 410-786-3000
TTY Toll-Free: 800-877-8339
TTY Local: 410-786-0727
Medicaid.gov Mailbox: Medicaid.gov@cms.hhs.gov (please use this email for technical assistance related to Medicaid.gov)

For information on the organizational structure of the Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS), please refer to our organizational page where you can get information on the different CMCS groups and their functions.