Alaska Medicaid & Denali KidCare
Last updated August 2026
Alaska Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage. It covers low-income children, pregnant people, families, adults, older adults, and people who are blind or have disabilities. Denali KidCare is the part that covers children and pregnant people. The easiest way to apply is at HealthCare.gov, and you can also apply through the state Alaska Connect portal or call the Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778 (TDD or Alaska Relay 7-1-1).
The biggest change here happened in 2015, when Alaska expanded Medicaid. That opened coverage to low-income adults ages 19 to 64 who do not have dependent children. So a single adult with no kids can now be covered, which was not true before. If you were turned down in the past, that is a reason to try again.
This is not a small program. About 1 in 3 Alaskans are enrolled in Medicaid, including roughly 73,000 people covered through the expansion. There is no time limit on Medicaid, and many working families may qualify, so a job does not automatically make you ineligible.
Each group has its own pathway. Children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities are each looked at under their own rules. That is why the state tells people to apply even if they were denied before, since one door may be closed while another is open for your household.
Not sure if you would qualify? Alaska has a pre-screening tool at aries.alaska.gov/screener that checks your likely eligibility before you file a full application. It is a quick way to see where you stand without any commitment.
Apply at HealthCare.gov or through Alaska Connect, and keep your contact information current so renewal notices reach you. For help applying, call 800-478-7778. While your application is worked, dial 2-1-1 to find a community health center near you.
Phone 800-478-7778
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Alaska residents who meet the income rules for their group; coverage expanded in 2015 to low-income adults ages 19 to 64
- Children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities each have their own pathway, so apply even if you were denied before
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at HealthCare.gov, through the Alaska Connect portal, or by phone at 800-478-7778.
- 2
Try the pre-screening tool at aries.alaska.gov/screener to check your likely eligibility first.
- 3
Have proof of identity, income, and Alaska residency ready.
- 4
If you were denied before, apply again, since expansion now covers adults 19 to 64 without children.
- 5
Watch for renewal notices and respond on time to keep your coverage.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for those applying
- Proof of income and Alaska residency
- Immigration or citizenship papers where they apply. The office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Do I need children to qualify?
No. Alaska expanded Medicaid in 2015 to cover low-income adults ages 19 to 64 who do not have dependent children.
How common is Medicaid in Alaska?
About 1 in 3 Alaskans are enrolled, including roughly 73,000 people covered through the expansion.
Is there a time limit?
No. There is no time limit on Medicaid, and many working families may qualify.
How do I apply?
The easiest way is at HealthCare.gov. You can also use the Alaska Connect portal or call 800-478-7778. A pre-screening tool is at aries.alaska.gov/screener.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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