How to Apply for Medicaid for Your Child

What you need to do first

You apply for Medicaid through your state, not through a federal office. Each state runs its own program and sets its own income limits, so what works in one state may not work in another. Most states let you start the process online, by mail, or in person at a local office — usually called a Department of Human Services, Department of Social Services, or Department of Children and Family Services.

Before you start, gather three things: proof of your child's age and citizenship (birth certificate or passport), proof of your household income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or a letter from your employer), and proof of where you live (utility bill or lease). Some states also ask for Social Security numbers. Having these ready means you won't have to stop halfway through and come back later.

Key Takeaways

• You apply to your state's Medicaid program directly, and the process and income limits differ by state.
• Most states let you start online through their Medicaid website, which is usually faster than going in person.
• You will need proof of your child's age, your household income, and where you live before you begin.
• After you submit, most states tell you within two to four weeks whether your child is covered, though some take longer.
• If your income changes or your child turns 19, you must report it to keep coverage active.

Finding your state's Medicaid program online

Start by searching "[your state] Medicaid" or "[your state] children's health insurance." Your state's Medicaid website will have an application you can fill out and submit without leaving home. The website also shows the current income limit for children in your state — this is the maximum household income that still makes your child covered.

If you cannot find the website or prefer not to apply online, call 211 (a free helpline available in all states) and give them your state and county. They will tell you the phone number and address of your local Medicaid office and whether you can apply by phone. Some states process phone applications the same day; others ask you to come in or mail documents.

A few states also run CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) as a separate program from Medicaid, usually for children whose family income is above the Medicaid limit but still modest. The same application often covers both programs, so you do not have to apply twice.

What happens after you submit

Once you submit your application, your state will send you a notice by mail or email telling you the decision. This usually takes two to four weeks, though some states take longer if they need to verify your information. The notice will say whether your child is covered, when coverage starts, and what to do next.

If your state approves your child, you will receive a Medicaid card or a notice saying your child is covered. Some states send the card by mail; others let you print a temporary card online right away. Keep the card or notice with you at doctor visits. If your state denies coverage, the notice will explain why and tell you how to ask them to reconsider.

If you do not hear back within a month, call your local Medicaid office and give them your application number (which was on your receipt when you submitted). They can tell you whether your application is still being reviewed or whether something is missing.

Reporting changes to keep coverage active

Medicaid coverage for children usually lasts 12 months, but you must tell your state if certain things change during that time. The most common changes are a new job or job loss, a move to a different state, or your child turning 19. If you do not report these changes, your state may cancel coverage without warning.

Report changes the same way you applied: through your state's Medicaid website, by phone, or in person at your local office. Most states let you report online in minutes. Write down the date you reported the change so you have proof if there is a problem later.

If your household income goes up, your child may lose Medicaid coverage — but many states have a grace period of a few months where coverage continues even after income rises. Ask your state's Medicaid office about this when you report the income change, because it affects when you need to find other insurance.

What to do if your application is denied

If your state denies your child's coverage, the denial notice will explain the reason. The most common reasons are that your household income is above the limit, you did not provide proof of citizenship or age, or you did not respond to a request for more information.

You have the right to ask your state to reconsider. The denial notice will say how long you have to ask (usually 30 to 60 days) and how to do it. You can ask in writing, by phone, or in person. If you ask in writing, send it to the address on the notice and keep a copy for yourself.

If your income is above the Medicaid limit, ask about CHIP or other programs in your state that cover children with higher incomes. Your state's Medicaid website or a 211 call can tell you what else may be available. Some states also have programs that cover children with specific health conditions regardless of income.

Coverage for children with disabilities or chronic conditions

Children with disabilities or long-term health conditions may be covered by Medicaid even if household income is above the normal limit. Some states have separate programs for children with disabilities, or they count only the child's own income rather than the whole household's income when deciding coverage.

When you apply, tell your state about any diagnosis, medication, or ongoing treatment your child has. If your child is denied under the regular income limit, ask whether they can be reviewed under disability rules. The denial notice should explain this option, or you can call your local Medicaid office and ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if my child was born outside the United States?

Yes, but you will need to show proof of your child's immigration status. Most states cover children who are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or refugees. Some states also cover other immigration statuses. Your state's Medicaid website lists which documents prove immigration status, or call 211 to ask what your state accepts.

What if I do not have a Social Security number for my child?

Some states require a Social Security number; others do not. Check your state's Medicaid website or call your local office before you apply. If your state requires one and you do not have it, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration while your Medicaid application is being reviewed.

Can my child stay on Medicaid after turning 18?

Medicaid for children usually ends when your child turns 19, though a few states extend it to 20 or 21. When your child approaches 19, your state will send you a notice explaining what happens next. Your child may be able to stay on Medicaid as an adult if household income is still low enough, but the income limit for adults is usually lower than for children.

What if my child is already covered by my job insurance?

Your child can have both Medicaid and private insurance at the same time. Medicaid will be the secondary payer, meaning it covers costs that your job insurance does not. This can lower your out-of-pocket costs. Tell your state about the private insurance when you apply or when coverage starts.

How do I know if my state's Medicaid is currently taking new applications?

Most states accept applications year-round, but a few have waiting lists during certain times of year. Your state's Medicaid website will say whether applications are open. If the website does not say, call your local Medicaid office or 211 and ask. If there is a waiting list, you can still submit an application — your child will be covered once a spot opens.