DC Health Care Alliance
Last updated August 2026
The DC Health Care Alliance for Adults is a locally funded program that gives medical coverage to District residents who are not eligible for Medicaid, have no other health insurance, and are not eligible for Medicare. Because federal Medicaid requires a qualifying immigration status, the Alliance is often the coverage route for residents who cannot get Medicaid for that reason. Apply the same way as Medicaid, online at districtdirect.dc.gov or by phone at (202) 727-5355. For enrollment help, call (202) 639-4030 or (800) 620-7802.
The income line is 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, which is 133 percent plus a 5 percent income disregard. Using 2026 figures, the monthly income limits are $1,836 for one person, $2,489 for two, $3,142 for three, $3,795 for four, and up to $6,408 for a household of eight.
The basic rules are short. You must be a District resident, meet the financial eligibility rules, and have no other health or medical coverage, including Medicare. Confirm the current rules when you apply, since the District has been updating them.
The Alliance and the Immigrant Children's Program were combined into one program called Health Care Alliance for Adults and Children. So the same program can now cover both adults and children who cannot get Medicaid.
How you get care changed recently. Service delivery moved from managed care organizations to fee-for-service. If you need to find a provider, use the fee-for-service provider search at dc-medicaid.com.
Apply through District Direct, the same portal used for Medicaid and SNAP, so you can ask about other help in one place. Dial 2-1-1 to find a community health center while your application is processing.
Phone (202) 727-5355
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- A District resident with household income at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level who has no other health insurance and is not eligible for Medicare
- The District recently changed Alliance eligibility rules, and the DHCF page lists an Alliance for Adults category for residents ages 21 to 25, so confirm the current rules when you apply
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply the same way as Medicaid, online at districtdirect.dc.gov or by phone at (202) 727-5355.
- 2
Show DC residency and that you have no other health coverage, including Medicare.
- 3
Check your income against the limits, such as $1,836 a month for one person.
- 4
For help enrolling, call (202) 639-4030 or (800) 620-7802.
- 5
Once covered, use the fee-for-service provider search at dc-medicaid.com to find care.
What to have ready
- Photo ID for the person applying
- Proof of DC residency and income
- Proof that you have no other health coverage. The office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who is the DC Health Care Alliance for?
District residents who are not eligible for Medicaid, have no other health insurance, and are not eligible for Medicare. It is often the route for residents who cannot get Medicaid because of immigration status.
What is the income limit?
Income at or below 138 percent of poverty, which is $1,836 a month for one person and up to $6,408 for a household of eight, using 2026 figures.
How do I get care once I am covered?
The Alliance now uses fee-for-service delivery. You can find a provider through the fee-for-service search at dc-medicaid.com.
How do I apply?
The same way as Medicaid, online at districtdirect.dc.gov or by phone at (202) 727-5355. For enrollment help, call (202) 639-4030 or (800) 620-7802.
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