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Medicaid & CHIP health coverage

Medicaid (and CHIP for children) is health coverage, not a cash grant — but it is one of the highest-value, easiest federal-state benefits to obtain if you qualify. Apply via HealthCare.gov or your state.

Typical award

Low-cost or free health coverage

Time to apply

30–60 min

Ease

Straightforward
Apply for coverage

Why this is (relatively) easy

Year-round. If you qualify, you are enrolled. No contest, no application fee.

Who usually qualifies

  • Income within your state's Medicaid / CHIP limits
  • Children, pregnant people, and people with disabilities often have higher limits
  • Some states expanded Medicaid to more adults

What to have ready

  • SSN
  • Income
  • Immigration or citizenship status

Steps

  1. 1

    Apply at HealthCare.gov or your state's Medicaid site — both are free.

  2. 2

    If you already have a Marketplace account, start there; they will check Medicaid first.

Deadline: Apply any time. Official program page

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