How to Apply for Medicaid by State in 2026
Links open official government or state sites in a new tab. GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency and does not process applications.
See also how long Medicaid takes to get approved.
Quick Summary
- Apply through your state Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov.
- Eligibility is based on income, household size, and category.
- Have proof of income, identity, and residency ready.
- Check and renew your coverage on your state portal.
- Use official government sites only.
Choose what you need
How to Use This Medicaid Guide (2026)
Medicaid is a joint federal-state health-coverage program for people with low income. It is run by each state under federal rules, so exact eligibility and how you apply vary by state. Use this guide to understand the basics and find your state.
How to use this guide
- Check the basics below, then confirm the details with your state Medicaid agency.
- Find your state in the directory on this page to apply through the right portal.
- See Medicaid eligibility and Medicaid income limits for who qualifies.
How to find your state Medicaid agency
Every state runs its own Medicaid program (often under a state-specific name). Find your state’s agency and application portal through this guide’s state directory, or at Medicaid.gov. In many states you can also apply through HealthCare.gov, which routes low-income applicants to Medicaid.
Medicaid eligibility basics
Most Medicaid eligibility is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and household size, with different rules for children, pregnant women, parents, adults, and people who are 65+ or have a disability. Rules and income limits vary by state and by group. See the full Medicaid eligibility guide.
It also helps to know how to check a CHIP application status.
Medicaid income limits and expansion-state differences
Under the Affordable Care Act, states can expand Medicaid to cover adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Most states have expanded; a smaller number have not, which can leave some low-income adults in a “coverage gap.” Whether you qualify as an adult depends on whether your state expanded. Confirm the current Medicaid income limits for your state and group.
How to apply or renew Medicaid
You can apply for Medicaid at any time (there is no open-enrollment window) — online through your state portal or HealthCare.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person. Once enrolled, you must renew (redetermine) your coverage, usually every year; watch for your state’s renewal notice so you do not lose coverage. You can check your application status with your state.
Documents and verification
Have ready proof of identity, Social Security numbers, income, state residency, and immigration or citizenship status for household members applying. Your state may send a request for additional verification. See documents needed to apply for Medicaid.
Medicaid vs CHIP vs Medicare
- Medicaid — health coverage for low-income people of any age (state + federal).
- CHIP — covers children (and sometimes pregnant women) in families that earn too much for Medicaid but still have limited income.
- Medicare — federal coverage mainly for people 65+ or with certain disabilities; based on age/work history, not income. Some people have both (Medicaid and Medicare).
2026 and 2027 Medicaid changes to check
A new federal Medicaid work (community engagement) requirement takes effect for many adults (80 hours a month; the rule takes effect July 31, 2026, and states must implement it by January 1, 2027). See what else may change on Medicaid 2027 updates, and note it can affect renewals. Also compare Medicaid vs the Marketplace if your income changes.
Related help
Food help: SNAP by state. Disability income: SSI benefits. Confirm all Medicaid details with your state agency and Medicaid.gov.
Last reviewed July 2026. General information, not legal advice — GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency. Medicaid rules vary by state; confirm with your state Medicaid agency before acting.
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income Americans, but each state runs its own program – often under a different name (Medi-Cal in California, Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania, NJ FamilyCare in New Jersey) and through a different online portal. This guide explains how to apply for Medicaid in your state in 2026, with direct links to a step-by-step guide for each state.
2026 Medicaid Work Requirement Update (New Federal Rule)
Under a new federal rule finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in June 2026 — required by the 2025 federal budget law — most adults ages 19–64 in the Medicaid adult (expansion) group must meet a monthly “community engagement” (work) requirement to keep coverage. Here is what is confirmed so far:
- 80 hours per month of qualifying activities: a job, self-employment, approved work or job-training programs, community service, or being enrolled at least half-time in school.
- Or earn at least $580 per month (80 times the federal minimum wage) from work.
- Timing: the rule takes effect July 31, 2026, and states must put it in place no later than January 1, 2027 — some may start sooner.
Who is generally exempt: people who are pregnant or postpartum; under 19 or age 65 and older; enrolled in Medicare; medically frail or disabled; American Indian or Alaska Native; a parent or caregiver of a young child or a person with a disability; a veteran with a total disability rating; or already meeting SNAP or TANF work rules. Exact rules vary by state. See our Medicaid work requirement exemptions guide.
What to do now: confirm how your state will apply the rule, keep records of your work or activity hours, and report any changes on time. Check details with your state Medicaid agency or at Medicaid.gov and the CMS newsroom.
How applying works (in every state)
The core rules are the same nationwide – see Medicaid eligibility and the general Medicaid income limits (and what counts as income). Everywhere, you can usually apply in one of these ways:
- Online – through your state benefits portal (fastest).
- By phone – through your state Medicaid or benefits call center.
- In person or by mail – at your local county social services / human services office.
Gather the documents you need to apply first – proof of identity, residency, income, and Social Security numbers for applicants. Applying is free – never pay a third party to apply.
Apply for Medicaid in your state
Pick your state for the exact portal, phone number, and steps:
Popular states:California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania
States A–F (3)
States N–S (5)
States T–W (6)
More state guides are added regularly. If your state is not listed yet, apply through your state Medicaid agency or the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov, which screens applications for Medicaid.
After you apply
Your state reviews your application and may request more information – respond quickly. Track it with the Medicaid application status guide, and see when Medicaid coverage starts. Children who do not qualify may be covered through CHIP, and people who also have Medicare should read about dual eligibility. Had a recent medical emergency? Ask about Emergency Medicaid.
Keep your coverage
Once enrolled, most states renew Medicaid every year – watch for a renewal notice and see how to renew your Medicaid coverage so you do not lose coverage. Report income or household changes promptly to keep your coverage accurate.
Official source
Learn about Medicaid in every state through the federal agency at medicaid.gov, and apply for coverage or get screened at healthcare.gov. Applying is free.
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply for Medicaid through the state or the federal government?
Through your state. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program, but each state runs its own application (online portal, phone, or local office). The federal healthcare.gov marketplace can also screen you for Medicaid.
Is the Medicaid application really free?
Yes. Applying, checking your status, and getting help are always free through the official state agency or a certified assistor. Never pay a third party to apply.
What if my state is not listed above?
Apply through your state Medicaid agency or at healthcare.gov. The same documents – identity, residency, income, and Social Security numbers for applicants – apply in every state.
What to Do Next
Ready to apply? Find your state above, open its step-by-step guide, gather your documents, and apply through the official portal – it is free.
Not sure where to start? Try our what benefits can I get in 2026 (free eligibility quick-check) to find the programs that fit your situation.
Complete Medicaid resource directory
Tap a section to see the guides.
Eligibility (3)
Apply (5)
Documents (3)
Status & Renewal (4)
Problems & Appeals (5)
Official sources
Apply and verify benefits only through the official government agency for your state — open your state’s guide for the official portal. GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency.
Official sources (reference)
Official application sites
Medicaid.gov
Official U.S. Medicaid & CHIP siteGOV SITE ↗
Find your state Medicaid agency
Apply through your stateGOV SITE ↗
HealthCare.gov
Apply for Medicaid or a marketplace plan
These are official government sites. Links open in a new tab. GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency and does not process applications.
Our figures are checked against official government sources. See our Editorial Policy and Corrections Policy, or learn more about GlobalBenefits.org.
Reviewed for accuracy · Updated July 13, 2026 · Based on official government sources.
Prefer to talk to someone? Dial 2-1-1 (free, 24/7) to reach your local community resource line for help finding and applying for benefits.