What do you need to apply for Medicaid?
Each state requires different information to complete a Medicaid application. You should be ready to provide personal, financial and medical information.
Personal information
- Name, date of birth and Social Security number of household members
- Proof of citizenship
Financial information
- Rent or mortgage information
- Expenses (utilities, daycare, etc.)
- Vehicle information
- Bank statements
- Income (pay stubs)
Medical information
- Proof of disability or medical records showing a lasting medical condition
- Recent medical bills
How do you enroll in a Medicaid plan?
After you apply for Medicaid in your state and figure out if you’re eligible, you can pick the Medicaid health plan you want. Sometimes a state may automatically enroll people in a Medicaid plan. If that happens, you may be able to switch to a different plan if there is another you prefer.
Choose your state to see available UnitedHealthcare Community plans near you. Review the benefits included in each plan in your state. When you’ve found a plan that works for you, visit steps to enroll to get started.
How do you enroll in a Medicaid plan?
After you apply for Medicaid in your state and figure out if you’re eligible, you can pick the Medicaid health plan you want. Sometimes a state may automatically enroll people in a Medicaid plan. If that happens, you may be able to switch to a different plan if there is another you prefer.
Choose your state to see available UnitedHealthcare Community plans near you. Review the benefits included in each plan in your state. When you’ve found a plan that works for you, visit steps to enroll to get started.
When can you enroll in Medicaid?
You can enroll in Medicaid at any time during the year. That’s also true for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you’ve had a life change, like getting married or moving to a different state, you could qualify for Medicaid and should apply right away.
Pregnant people should apply for Medicaid as soon as they find out they’re pregnant. Medicaid pregnancy coverage is available to help keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Your newborn will automatically be enrolled in Medicaid, too.
When can you change your Medicaid plan?
After you first enroll as a new Medicaid member, you’ll typically have 90 days to change your plan. If you don’t choose a health plan, your state will assign you to a plan. After that, most Medicaid members can only switch their health plan once per year. Your Medicaid agency will let you know when you can change your coverage.
Auto-enrollment (also called auto-assignment) is when a state automatically assigns a group of people to a specific Medicaid plan. This can happen when a new health plan becomes available. Or if a health insurance company stops offering a Medicaid plan in a certain area. If someone is auto-assigned to a plan and they decide that they’d prefer a different Medicaid plan, they’ll have 90 days to switch.
Do you have to re-enroll in Medicaid every year?
Medicaid and CHIP members need to renew their coverage every year. In some cases, adults may need to renew 2 times per year and meet work requirements. Yearly renewals are how states check that their enrollees still meet the requirements to get Medicaid benefits. This process is called Medicaid recertification or redetermination. It’s also called re-enrolling in Medicaid or Medicaid renewal.