West Virginia Medicaid
Last updated August 2026
West Virginia Medicaid pays for health care for low-income residents. It is run by the Bureau for Medical Services, which also runs WV CHIP for children. Apply online through WV PATH, the same portal that handles SNAP and CHIP.
West Virginia is a Medicaid expansion state. Expansion took effect January 1, 2014, and it covers low-income adults up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level under MAGI income rules. That is the change that opened coverage to many working adults with no children.
Covered groups are broad. They include children, pregnant women, parents and caretakers, seniors, people with disabilities, and expansion adults. Whether you qualify depends on your household income and size.
Most members do not get a paper card and a bill. They get care through managed care, mainly the Mountain Health Trust and Mountain Health Promise plans, which coordinate your doctors and services.
There is more than one way in. Besides WV PATH, you can apply through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, at a local county office, by mailing a paper application, or by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212.
If you want to check the fine print, the state publishes detailed income figures in its Income Maintenance Manual and its Your Guide to Medicaid booklet. When in doubt, apply. The program decides, and a worker can tell you which group fits your household.
Phone 1-877-716-1212
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- West Virginia residents who meet the income rules for their group; coverage expanded to low-income adults 19 to 64 under Medicaid expansion
- Children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities each have their own pathway, so apply even if you were turned down before
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at WV PATH, the one portal for Medicaid, SNAP, and CHIP.
- 2
Or apply through the federal Marketplace, a county office, mail, or the hotline at 1-877-716-1212.
- 3
Report your household size and income so the state can find your eligibility group.
- 4
Pick or get assigned a managed care plan, such as Mountain Health Trust.
- 5
Watch for your coverage letter and renewal notices.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for household members applying
- Proof of income and household size
- Proof of West Virginia residency. Your local office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Does West Virginia cover adults without children?
Yes. West Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2014, covering low-income adults up to 138 percent of poverty under MAGI rules.
Where do I apply?
Online at WV PATH, through the federal Marketplace, at a county office, by mail, or by calling 1-877-716-1212.
How do I get care once I am covered?
Most members receive care through managed care plans, mainly Mountain Health Trust and Mountain Health Promise.
Who else can qualify?
Children, pregnant women, parents and caretakers, seniors, and people with disabilities, based on household income and size.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all West Virginia programs →Free · Private · No account needed