How to Apply for Medicaid for a Child

Approximately 11 percent of children in the United States do not have adequate health insurance. Kids without insurance often do not have all of their required vaccinations and may suffer from preventable illnesses due to a lack of regular medical care. If your child is uninsured and you cannot afford health insurance for him, you can apply for Medicaid.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your local Department of Social Services to request a Medicaid application. You can find the telephone number for your social services department in the blue pages of your telephone book. You can also find the telephone number online, by typing "Department of Social Services [State]" into Google or another search engine.

• 2

  Fill out the application for Medicaid in its entirety. Be sure to truthfully and accurately fill out the information pertaining to your household's income. Include any documentation that is required. If you have trouble understanding the application or gathering the required documentation, call the social services department and ask for help.

• 3

  Call the Department of Social Services if you do not hear anything within 30 days of submitting your Medicaid application. Write down the names of the people that you speak with, along with their extension number, if applicable. This will make it easier for you to get back in touch with the worker if necessary.

• 4

  Call your child's doctor to see if she accepts Medicaid. If she does, make your child an appointment if he is due for one. If she does not, call the social services department and request a provider directory. Choose a doctor for your child out of the directory, and make an appointment to meet the doctor before your child needs medical care.