Protect Your Family’s Health

How to Apply for and Keep Medicaid and CHIP Coverage

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Mother in wheelchair whit her children spending time outdoors

Medicaid and CHIP provide access to free, routine care so children can stay healthy throughout the year. If you want to apply for coverage for you or your children, find your state’s enrollment website at Medicaid.gov.

If you are already covered by Medicaid or CHIP, make sure all your contact information is up to date with your state Medicaid office, because most people need to show they are still eligible for Medicaid or CHIP once a year, so it is important that your renewal forms are mailed to the correct address.

Staying Covered Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3

  1. Update your information with your state Medicaid or CHIP program. To see your state’s enrollment website, visit Medicaid.gov.



  1. Watch your mail, email, or texts for news on how to renew your plan.
  1. Reply quickly to stay covered. Your children may still be able to stay covered, even if you are not.

If You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid or CHIP

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See if your job offers coverage:

  1. Ask your employer if you can get health coverage at work.
  2. Choose the plan that is best for you.
  3. Enroll within 60 days of when your Medicaid plan ends.

    If you are eligible for health insurance through your job, you have 60 days to enroll after the date you lose Medicaid coverage.


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If your job doesn’t offer coverage, buy a plan from your state insurance marketplace:

  1. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.
  2. Find out if you can get help paying for a plan.
  3. Use doctors in your network to save money.