How to Apply for a New Medicaid Card

Medicaid, a partnership program of both individual states and the United States government, allows low-income people access to health coverage. This is separate from the Medicare program, which provides health insurance to seniors and the disabled. While the federal government is involved with Medicaid, it does not administer specific services, such as replacing a lost card. To apply for a new Medicaid card, you'll need to contact your state Medicaid agency.

Instructions

• 1

  Find the number of the Medicaid office in your state. There is no federal number to call to replace your card, rather each state will administer this service.

• 2

  Go to the website of the National Association of State Medicaid Directors if you do not know the number of your Medicaid office. Click on the state in which you live on the map on this website.

• 3

  Look for the contact information or a main website for the office on the next web page. Each of these web pages for different states are arranged differently, however in general, you may look for a link labeled something like "California Department of Public Health" or "DHCS Home Page." Click on a link that looks like this example.

• 4

  Locate the contact information on the website of the state Medicaid office. There may be a phone number on the main web page, or you may need to click on a link labeled "Contact Us."

• 5

  Call the state Medicaid office to request your replacement Medicaid card. Provide the information the representative requests, such as your full name, address, phone number, date of birth and Medicaid ID number. The representative will mail your replacement card. The amount of time you need to wait for it will vary by state.