How to Be Eligible for Medicaid

The federal government offers the Medicaid program to ensure that the medical needs of low-income United States' citizens are met. Though the Medicaid program is federally funded, it is administered on a state-to-state basis. In order to apply for the Medicaid program, you must contact your local Department Of Human Services agency. In some states, this agency may be referred to as the Department Of Social Services or another similar name. The eligibility requirements for the Medicaid program are rather simple to understand.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of citizenship
• Proof of income
• Proof of guardianship
• Medical records

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Instructions

• 1

  Secure proof of United States citizenship. The primary ways to prove your citizenship include a United States' birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship or a United States' passport (current or expired). If these primary documents are unavailable, other forms of documentation may also be accepted (see Resources).

• 2

  Remain below the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level varies, based on the amount of individuals living in your household. A federal poverty level chart is listed in the "Resources" section of this article. Proof of your income must be provided to the Department Of Social Services. Examples of acceptable income documents include check stubs and bank statements.

• 3

  Ensure that you have children living at home who are 18 years of age or younger. It is acceptable if the children are not your own, as long as you can provide proof of guardianship. You may also apply for Medicaid if you are a teenager living on your own. This rule will vary from state to state.

• 4

  Prove that you are pregnant if you don't have children living at home. Proof of pregnancy can include medical records or a letter from your physician.

• 5

  Provide a copy of a birth certificate proving that you are 65 years of age or older if you don't have children and are not pregnant. You are also eligible for Medicaid if you are blind or disabled. However, you must provide medical records or other documentation to prove that you are blind or disabled.