Medicaid & CHIP
Last updated August 2026
Medicaid is free or very low-cost health coverage, and CHIP covers kids whose parents earn too much for Medicaid. There is no enrollment season. You can apply any day of the year, and states must decide within 45 days, or 90 for disability cases.
There are two doors, and both work. Door one: apply at healthcare.gov, and if anyone in your home looks eligible, it forwards your application to your state. Door two: apply straight through your state's Medicaid agency, online, by phone, by mail, or in person. For kids, one call to 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) connects you to your own state's program.
Never assume you earn too much, especially for the kids. In most states, adults qualify with income up to about 138 percent of the poverty line. Children go far higher everywhere: through CHIP, a family of four earning around $80,000 a year may still get the kids covered, depending on the state.
Two features almost no other insurance has. Medicaid can pay medical bills from up to 3 months before the month you applied, if you qualified back then. So apply even if the bill already happened. And a denial is not a dead end: the state hands your file to the Marketplace, which follows up about subsidized plans.
Once enrolled, renewal comes once a year, and states must first try to renew you automatically from data they already have. Watch your mail anyway; missing a renewal packet is how people lose coverage they still qualify for. One big change is coming: starting January 2027, most non-pregnant adults 19 to 64 in the expansion group must show 80 hours a month of work, school, or service. If that could touch you, ask your state agency now what proof it will want.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income limits vary by state and category
- Children often qualify even when parents don't
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at healthcare.gov, or find your state Medicaid agency and apply there. Online, phone, mail, and in-person all work everywhere.
- 2
For children, call 1-877-543-7669 (1-877-KIDS-NOW) to be connected straight to your state's program.
- 3
Have income info, Social Security numbers, and immigration or citizenship status for everyone applying.
- 4
Tell them about medical bills from the last 3 months. Medicaid can cover care from before you applied.
- 5
Expect an answer within 45 days, or 90 for disability-based cases. Pregnant? Ask about coverage that starts right away.
- 6
At renewal time each year, open every letter, and reply by the deadline if a packet comes.
What the application looks like
Common questions
When can I apply for Medicaid or CHIP?
Any day of the year. Unlike Marketplace plans, Medicaid and CHIP have no open enrollment window.
How long does a Medicaid decision take?
Federal rules cap it at 45 days for most people and 90 days for disability-based applications. Many online applications come back faster.
Can my kids get covered if I work full-time?
Very likely. Every state covers kids well above the adult limits, and through CHIP a family of four earning around $80,000 may still qualify. Apply for the kids no matter what happened with your own case.
Can Medicaid pay a bill from before I applied?
Yes, up to 3 months back, if you would have qualified when the care happened. Tell the agency about recent bills when you apply.
Do I have to work to keep Medicaid?
Starting January 2027, most non-pregnant adults 19 to 64 in the expansion group must show 80 hours a month of work, school, community service, or about $580 in monthly earnings. Pregnant women and many others are exempt. Ask your state what proof it will accept.
What if I'm denied?
Ask for a fair hearing; every state must offer one. Your information also goes to the Marketplace automatically so you can be checked for subsidized private coverage.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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