How to Apply for Medicaid and CHIP: A Complete Guide for 2026

Healthcare costs can be one of the biggest financial burdens for low-income families, and if you're uninsured or underinsured, even a routine doctor's visit can feel out of reach. That's where Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) come in. These two government programs work together to make sure adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities have access to affordable healthcare. If you're not sure where to start, this guide walks you through eligibility, the application process, required documents, and how to renew your coverage once you're enrolled.

What's the Difference Between Medicaid and CHIP?

Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical coverage to eligible individuals, while CHIP specifically covers children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still can't afford private insurance. Together, these programs form a safety net that helps ensure no child or vulnerable adult goes without essential medical and dental care.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid?

Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical benefits to eligible groups, including:

• Adults with a low income

• Children

• Pregnant women

• People age 65 or over

• People with disabilities

Because Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and individual states, each state sets its own specific requirements. In general, eligibility depends on a combination of factors such as:

• Age

• Income level

• Number of people in your family or household

• Whether you are pregnant or have a disability

Since these rules differ so much from state to state, the most reliable way to find out if you qualify is to check directly with your state's Medicaid agency.

👉 Find and check with your state's Medicaid agency to see if you or your family members are eligible.

How to Apply for Medicaid

You can apply for Medicaid at any time during the year, and there are two main ways to do it:

1. Apply through your state Medicaid agency. Find and check with your state's Medicaid agency to start your application. Keep in mind that you must be a resident of the state where you're applying.

2. Apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Create an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace and complete an application. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid based on your answers, your information will automatically be forwarded to your state agency, and they'll reach out about enrollment.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

The exact paperwork required varies depending on where you live, but most state Medicaid agencies will ask for some combination of the following:

• Your full name and date of birth

• Your Social Security number

• Monthly payment amounts for rent, mortgage, or utility bills

• Proof of citizenship or immigration status

• Proof of income, such as recent paystubs or W-2 forms

• Verification of any other government benefits you currently receive

• Details about any employer-offered insurance or existing coverage you have

Because these requirements can differ by state, it's worth checking directly with your local agency before you start gathering paperwork.

👉 Find and check with your state's Medicaid agency to learn exactly what documentation is required where you live.

Is Your Child Eligible for CHIP?

If your household income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, don't assume your child is out of options. CHIP was created specifically for this gap, covering medical and dental care for uninsured children and teens up to age 19. Like Medicaid, CHIP eligibility varies by state and is generally based on household income.

👉 Find out if your child qualifies for coverage with CHIP.

How to Apply for CHIP

Applying for CHIP works much like applying for Medicaid, and you have two main options:

1. Find your state's CHIP program. Find a CHIP program by state to begin the application process directly.

2. Apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Create an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace and complete an application. If your household appears eligible for CHIP, your information will be sent to your state agency, who will follow up about enrollment.

How to Renew Your Medicaid or CHIP Coverage

Coverage isn't automatically permanent. Most states review your information periodically, often annually, to confirm you still meet eligibility requirements. If your state needs updated information from you, they'll reach out with renewal instructions.

👉 Learn more about renewing Medicaid and CHIP coverage, including how to prepare for the renewal process, what your options are if you're no longer eligible, and who to contact for additional support.

Finding a Doctor Who Accepts Medicaid or CHIP

Not every healthcare provider accepts Medicaid or CHIP, so it's important to confirm coverage before booking an appointment. The best way to locate a participating provider near you is to check with your state agency directly.

👉 Find and check with your state's Medicaid agency to locate doctors, specialists, and dental providers who accept your coverage.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Medicaid and CHIP doesn't have to be complicated once you know where to look. Whether you're applying for yourself, your children, or checking on a renewal, your state Medicaid agency and the Health Insurance Marketplace are your two most important resources. Take a few minutes today to check your eligibility, because affordable healthcare coverage could be closer than you think.

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