This section tells you how to apply for Medicaid and how to use your medical card to get care.
What is Medicaid?
How do I know if I’m eligible for Medicaid coverage?
A Navigator or an Assister is a trained, unbiased professional that can help you and your family find the right health coverage. You can schedule a free, in-person appointment with a Navigator here for help finding out if you are eligible for Medicaid or other public benefits:
How do I apply for Medicaid?
In some cases, your Medicaid can be backdated up to three months from the day you apply, if you were eligible and had medical expenses during those three months. You may be eligible during the three months before your application date even if you are found ineligible at the time you apply. You must ask for backdating when you apply.
If you aren’t sure whether you already have Medicaid coverage, you can call the state’s Automated Voice Recognition System at 1-855-828-4995 with your Recipient Identification Number (RIN) to see if it’s active.
What are my next steps?
–After Applying – What’s Next?
You should know that you can appeal any decision, action, or inaction that you do not agree with that has been made by the Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). For example, you can file an appeal if you are cut off of Medicaid or denied Medicaid after you apply. Go to this page for more information on how to make an appeal about your Medicaid case.
Applying for Other Benefits
- SNAP – Sometimes called food stamps, for help buying food
- Cash Assistance – Help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses for families in need
- Medicare Savings – Help paying Medicare premiums
Here is more information on how to apply for other benefits.