How to Apply for Medical Help

Medicaid is a state-administered program available in all 50 states. It provides medical coverage for certain people with low incomes although not all people with low incomes qualify. If you have difficulty affording medical care, contact the appropriate agency in your state to see if you might qualify. The name of the agency that administers Medicaid varies from state to state, but it is often called something like Department of Human Services or Department of Social Services. The same agency administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

Things You'll Need

• Photo ID
• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Proof of income
• Verification of pregnancy
• Health insurance policy (if you have health insurance)
• Other documentation as requested

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact the appropriate agency in your state to obtain an application for Medicaid or download an application from your state's website.

• 2

  Complete the application. If you need help completing the application, ask someone at the office where you picked up the application. The agency personnel will provide any assistance needed.

• 3

  Collect the required documentation. The application for Medicaid usually lists the required documentation. If not, ask the agency for a list. Required documentation usually includes things like a photo ID, birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of income, verification of pregnancy (if you are pregnant) and any health insurance policies that you may have. If you do not have some of the required documents and need help getting them, ask for help at the agency.

• 4

  Return your application to the agency in the county in which you live. You can take the application there in person or you can mail or fax it.

• 5

  Attend a face-to-face meeting with a caseworker as requested by the agency. The agency will let you know if you need to bring any additional documentation to your appointment. If you have a disability and cannot go to the agency for your appointment, let the agency know. A caseworker can visit you at home if necessary.