Medicaid is a vital public health insurance program for people with low income and limited resources. More than 67.7 million Americans are currently enrolled in the program, including 7.2 million older adults.^1,2

Jim, a 77-year-old Oklahoma resident, is one of them. When Jim’s wife of 56 years suddenly died, he faced two significant losses: the love of his life, and the income she earned that helped cover their out-of-pocket Medicare costs. When staff at his local Senior Center helped him apply and qualify for Medicaid, he was delighted.

“Medicaid is truly a lifeline for people like Jim,” said Jen Teague, Director of Health Coverage and Benefits at NCOA. “Not only does it remove a significant barrier to his insurance coverage right now—it also can help pay for any long-term nursing care he may need in the future.”

How do I apply for Medicaid?

First, it’s important to know that individual states manage their own Medicaid program. That means that your eligibility and coverage will depend on where you live (the federal government does require certain mandatory benefits for everyone).

You can apply for Medicaid through your state Medicaid agency or, in many states, through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Before you apply, you'll need to check your eligibility, gather required documents, complete an application, and wait for your state's decision.

Applying for Medicaid at a Glance

• Apply through your state's Medicaid agency
• Check your eligibility first
• Gather income and identity documents
• Submit your application online, by phone, by mail, or in person (depending on your state)
• Watch for your decision letter
• Appeal if your application is denied

To get even more familiar with the process, follow these 4 simple steps below.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

You may qualify for Medicaid based on your income, your age, your disability status, and other factors. While each state sets its own rules, you must at minumum³:

• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
• Live in the state where you are applying

In certain states with expanded Medicaid coverage, you could qualify for coverage based on your income alone if you are age 65 or under.

The best way to check your Medicaid eligibility is to contact your state's Medicaid office. You can also visit HealthCare.gov to see if you qualify for Medicaid based on your income.

Step 2: Gather your documentation

Having everything you need on hand before you fill out your Medicaid application can help you feel prepared. While your state may ask for additional information, start by collecting these basic documents⁴:

• Proof of citizenship or legal residence: This might include a U.S. passport, an alien registration card, or a naturalization certificate.
• Proof of age: This might include your birth certificate or driver’s license.
• Proof of income: This might include pay stubs (if you’re still working), your federal tax return, Social Security benefits verification letter, and pension statements, among others.
• A list of “countable assets”: This could include things like checking and savings accounts, investments, life insurance policies, certificates of deposit, and money market accounts (some states will ask for less).
• Proof of disability (if you live with one): This may include your official medical record or physician verification form.

Keep in mind that each state defines “countable assets” differently. In some, for instance, your primary residence, one automobile, and certain other personal property are exempt from consideration. You may wish to consult a knowledgeable professional who can offer unbiased advice about your specific situation. If you are age 65 or older, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can be a good place to start. Contact your local program today to speak one-on-one with a trained benefits counselor.

Step 3: Fill out and submit your application

There are two ways to apply for Medicaid: through your state Medicare agency or the Health Insurance Marketplace.

In nearly every state, you can apply for Medicaid online—this is the fastest and easiest way to submit your application. In many instances, you also may apply over the phone, in person, or by mail using a hard copy Medicaid application form.

Seventy-year-old Jim had help navigating his Medicaid application. But many eligible older adults never submit an application because the process can feel overwhelming—or they don’t realize they qualify for assistance. For instance, did you know that millions of Americans age 65 and over like Jim receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits?

“That’s why, if you think you or someone you know might qualify for Medicaid, you owe it to yourself to apply,” Teague said. "You should still apply if you think your income is too high. Eligibility depends on many factors, including age, disability, household size, medical expenses, and your state's rules."

Just a reminder, there is no set enrollment period for Medicaid, which means you can submit your application at any time. Your local SHIP can also help fill out your application.

Step 4: Look for your decision letter

You should receive a benefits decision within 90 days of submitting your Medicaid application.⁵ One report showed that more than two-thirds (67%) of applications nationwide were processed within a week, including more than half (54%) that were approved in less than 24 hours.⁶

If you are eligible, you will get a notification letter in the mail telling you when your coverage will begin and how much you will pay for it out of your own pocket.⁵

If your Medicaid application is denied, you will receive a different letter explaining exactly why. Common reasons include missing bank statements, incomplete paperwork, or unverified income. This letter will also include information about how to appeal the decision.⁵

At any time, you may check the status of your application by contacting your state Medicaid agency.

 

What if I disagree with the Medicaid benefits decision?

"Don't assume a Medicaid denial is the final word," advised Daniel Davis, NCOA Associate Director for Integrated Care. "If you believe a mistake was made, your situation has changed, or you can provide missing information, you're entitled to a fair hearing. Simply correcting errors on your application or providing additional paperwork could result in a different outcome."

You can initiate the appeals process by contacting your state Medicaid agency and letting them know. You can also use your Medicaid denial notice. Write "I disagree with this decision and want to appeal it." Sign and date the document and either mail it to your local Medicaid office or—more preferably—drop it off in person (be sure to keep a copy for your records). Within a few weeks, you should receive a letter from your state with details about your hearing.

Are there other programs that can help me?

Yes. Medicaid is one piece of the puzzle, but there are many other financial benefits programs available that help older adults pay for health care, prescription medications, food, housing costs, and more. NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp® is a free online tool where you can browse for programs near you. Simply type in your ZIP code to get started.

Sources

1. Medicaid.gov. February 2026 Medicaid & CHIP Enrollment Highlights. Found on the internet at https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/program-information/medicaid-and-chip-enrollment-data/report-highlights/index.html

2. Medicaid.gov. Seniors & Medicare and Medicaid Enrollees. Found on the internet at https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/seniors-medicare-and-medicaid-enrollees/index.html

3. Medicaid.gov. Medicaid Eligibility. Found on the internet at https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/index.html

4. Mark P. Cussen. “How to Qualify for Medicaid: Tips and Eligibility Requirements.” January 28, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.investopedia.com/articles/financial-advisors/011816/4-tips-qualifying-medicaid.asp#toc-apply-for-coverage

5. LongTermCare.gov. Applying for Medicaid. Found on the internet at https://acl.gov/ltc/medicare-medicaid-and-more/medicaid/applying-for-medicaid

6. CMS. CMCS Informational Bulletin: Ensuring Timely and Accurate Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility Determinations at Application. May 9, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib050924-comb.pdf