How to Apply for Medicaid After Losing Your Job

Medicaid provides health insurance for some people with low incomes. While Medicaid is available in all states, different states have slightly different eligibility criteria. People must meet specific income guidelines in order to qualify in all states, but many states have additional criteria. Not all unemployed people qualify. Contact the appropriate agency in your state to learn more about the eligibility criteria where you live.

Things You'll Need

• Application
• Driver's license or state issued ID
• Social Security card
• Documentation showing when you last worked
• Proof of any other income
• Proof of expenses

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Visit the appropriate agency in your county to pick up an application. The name of the agency varies from state to state. In Ohio, they call it the Department of Job and Family Services. In Minnesota, they call it the Department of Human Services. It is the same place you would go to apply for food stamps. If you prefer, in many states you can download an application online.

• 2

  Fill out the application. Do not leave out any information or they may not be able to process your application. If you need help filling out the application, ask for assistance at the office where you got the application. If you do not know some of the information the application asks for, ask what you should do at the county office.

• 3

  Collect the requested documentation. Your application may include a list of documents you need to provide, or you can ask for a list when you pick up your application. Requested documentation usually includes things like a driver's license or state-issued identification card, a Social Security card, something showing when you last worked, proof of any income you still have and proof of expenses like rent and utilities. If you need help getting any of the requested documents, ask for assistance at the county office.

• 4

  Turn in your completed application along with the requested documentation. You can drop off the application in person or you can mail it to the appropriate county office. In some counties, you can also fax the application. If you mail or fax your application, mail or fax copies of the requested documentation as well. You may need to take the original documents to the county office for someone to review as well.