Answer
Could I qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, and how do I apply?
The short answer
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income, run by each state within federal rules. CHIP covers children, and in some states pregnant people, in families that earn too much for Medicaid. You can apply any time of year through your state Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov.
Key takeaways
- There is no open enrollment period. Apply as soon as your income or family changes.
- Rules, benefits, and program names differ by state.
- Open every letter from your state Medicaid agency and answer by the deadline to keep coverage.
Words in this lesson
- Medicaid and CHIP
- Public health coverage for people with limited income, and for children through CHIP. Each state runs its own program within federal rules.
- Health Insurance Marketplace
- The government-run place to compare and buy individual health plans, such as HealthCare.gov or a state Marketplace.
- Medicare
- Federal health insurance for people 65 and older and for some younger people with disabilities or certain conditions.
Related
This is general education. For decisions about your own plan, taxes, or legal rights, check your plan documents or a qualified professional.