What is Medicaid and what does it cover?

Medicaid is a way to get health care at a lower cost or sometimes at no cost to you. Medicaid typically covers children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities and eligible low-income adults.

Medicaid health plans cover things like: 

  • Hospital stays
  • Doctor visits
  • Pregnancy care
  • Shots for children
  • Tests and x-rays

Medicaid is managed by each state, so the eligibility requirements can change from state to state. Your state may even have its own name for its Medicaid program. You can learn more by viewing frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Medicaid

Find Medicaid plans near you

Enter your ZIP code to see available Medicaid plans in your area.

Do you have Medicaid and Medicare?

If you're eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, check into UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete,® which is a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP).

These plans are available in some states. D-SNP can help you get more benefits and features than you can with Original Medicare, at no extra cost.

Already a Medicaid member?

Sign in for an easier way to see your plan information.

Don't have an account? Register now1

The basics of Medicaid

This video explains what Medicaid is and how it works. 

What to know about applying for Medicaid

It may seem like there's a lot to learn about applying for Medicaid. Here are a few important things to know as you get started. 

CHIP is Medicaid for children

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is an option for some families. CHIP gives low-cost coverage to children whose parents make too much money to qualify for Medicaid. 

You may qualify for Medicaid now even if you didn't before

There are new rules for Medicaid. So you may qualify even if you didn't before. You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid or CHIP at any time of year. If you qualify, your coverage can begin right away. Learn if you may qualify for Medicaid

You apply for Medicaid through your state

Because each state manages its own Medicaid program, eligibility varies from one state to another. If you have questions about qualifying, contact your state Medicaid agency. Or, apply online at the website for your state Medicaid agency to see if you qualify.

Want to learn more about Medicaid?

Got more questions? Here's how to get more answers about Medicaid, like:

  • What is Medicaid?
  • Who is Medicaid for?
  • What is history of Medicaid?

You can also look up Medicaid terms in our glossary to find out what they mean.