A federal website can help route an application, but the state Medicaid agency generally makes the eligibility determination and may request additional information.
Before you submit
- Confirm your current state or territory of residence.
- Identify every household member seeking Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
- Gather current income and household information.
- Prepare citizenship or eligible immigration-status information for applicants when requested.
- Choose contact details you can monitor for agency notices.
File and keep proof
Use the state Medicaid portal, a paper or in-person option offered by the state, or HealthCare.gov when that channel is available for your circumstances. Save the submission date, confirmation number, application copy, and uploaded documents.
Respond to verification requests
The agency may compare information with electronic data sources or ask for documents. Respond by the date in the notice. Contact the agency when a document is unavailable, information is incorrect, or you need language or disability-related assistance.
Read the decision notice
The notice should explain approval, denial, effective dates, next steps, and appeal rights. Do not assume that a Marketplace eligibility result is the final state Medicaid decision when the case has been transferred for state review.