This article was co-authored by Steven Kibbel and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Steven Kibbel is a Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Kibbel Financial Planning based in Franklin, Tennessee. With over a decade of experience, Steven is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their financial future by offering comprehensive financial planning services, including cash flow planning, investment planning, and retirement planning. He is also a Chartered Financial Consultant, a Real Estate Affiliate Broker, and the author of several children’s books focused on teaching financial literacy. Steven has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Medicaid is a federal program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Although the program is federal, it is administered by state agencies. Eligibility generally depends on your age, income, and disability status.[1] Once you've applied for Medicaid, it can take up to 90 days for your state agency to determine your eligibility. In the meantime, you can check the status of your account online, over the phone, or in person at your local Medicaid office.[2]
Ways to Check Your Medicaid Status
Log in to your online Medicaid account, and click on your application status to see if it's been approved. Alternatively, call your state's Medicaid agency or visit a local Medicaid office with your case number to find out the application status.
Steps
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![Step 1 Set up an online account if you haven't already.]()
Set up an online account if you haven't already. Even if you applied for Medicaid in person or over the phone, you can still use your state's website to manage your account or check your status. Go to your state's Medicaid website and look for a button to register or sign up for an account. Click the button and follow the prompts.[3]- If you don't know the URL for your state's Medicaid website, you can find a link at https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/state-medicaid-resources.
- You'll need an email address to set up an online account. Your state Medicaid office will use that email address to communicate with you about your Medicaid benefits and your account status. If you don't yet have an email account, you can set one up for free with an email provider such as Google or Yahoo.
- You'll also need to create a password for your online Medicaid account. Pick something that's easy for you to remember, but would be hard for anyone else to guess.
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![Step 2 Log in using your user ID and password.]()
Log in using your user ID and password. After you set up your account, the website will likely send you an email to verify your email address. Open the email from your inbox, then click the link to verify your email account. You will then have the opportunity to log in.[4]- You may have a custom username, or it may simply be your email address. If the site doesn't tell you and you're not sure, look for a "forgot my username" link.
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![Step 3 Click the appropriate link to check your application status.]()
Click the appropriate link to check your application status. Once you're logged in, look on the homepage for an "application status" link. You may need to access account management tools first or find the status link on a drop-down menu. Start at the tabs or links listed at the top of the home page.[5]- If you can't find the link you need, look for a search bar to search the site. It should be at the top of the page and usually has a magnifying glass icon.
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![Step 1 Gather your case number or other identifying information.]()
Gather your case number or other identifying information. Before a caseworker will discuss your application with you, they need to verify your identity. For some states, this means providing the case number that was assigned to your application.[6]- Some states don't assign a case number until your eligibility has been determined and a decision has been entered. You may need to provide other information, such as the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, to verify your identity.[7]
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![Step 2 Find your state agency's toll-free number.]()
Find your state agency's toll-free number. Each state has a toll-free number you can use to apply for Medicaid or check your status after you've filed your application. These numbers are automated systems that generally are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.[8]Tip: If you're having trouble finding your state's number, go to https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/where-can-people-get-help-medicaid-chip/index.html and click on your state.
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![Step 3 Call the number and follow the prompts.]()
Call the number and follow the prompts. When you call the toll-free number, you'll likely hear an automated response that provides you with a menu of options. Listen carefully and select the one that will allow you to check the status of your application.[9]- If you're not sure which menu option to choose, or if none of them seem to fit what you want, choose the option that will connect you with a caseworker directly, or allow you to leave a message.
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![Step 4 Ask about the status of your application.]()
Ask about the status of your application. If you want to talk to a caseworker, try to call the toll-free number during regular business hours. Caseworkers may not be available to speak to you in the evening, on weekends, or on government holidays.[10]- If additional information is needed to process your application, the caseworker may be able to tell you what that is. For example, you may need to provide proof of a disability. Get this information to the Medicaid office as soon as possible so your application can be processed more quickly.
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![Step 1 Locate the nearest office.]()
Locate the nearest office. Medicaid typically is administered by county, with one office per county. There may be additional offices in more populous areas. Call the office nearest you first to find out whether you need an appointment and what you need to bring with you.[11]- Your state's Medicaid website will have a locator tool you can use to find the nearest office. You can also use the contact link for your state at https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/where-can-people-get-help-medicaid-chip/index.html to find your local office.
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![Step 2 Go to the office during regular business hours.]()
Go to the office during regular business hours. Because caseworkers are busy, it's typically best to schedule an appointment. If appointments aren't available, check the business hours and try to go early in the morning, when they're likely to be less busy.- In addition to identification and your Medicaid case number (if you have one), bring along a pen and some paper to take notes.
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![Step 3 Talk to the caseworker about your application status.]()
Talk to the caseworker about your application status. Once they've verified your identity and brought up your case file, the caseworker will be able to tell you the status of your application. They can also answer any other questions you may have about the application process.[12]- Write down the name of the caseworker you speak with, so you can talk to them again if you have any questions. You might also ask them for direct contact information.
- If the caseworker gives you any instructions or needs additional information to continue processing your application, write it down so you don't forget. Make an effort to provide the needed documents or information as soon as possible.
Questions to Ask
Can you give me an estimated date when my application will be processed?
Do you need any other information from me?
Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?
How can I contact you directly?
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/index.html
- ↑ https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/52.htm
- ↑ https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/11.0_Recipient/
- ↑ https://www.medicaid.alabama.gov/content/9.0_Resources/9.5_FAQ_Pages/9.5.11_FAQ_My_Medicaid.aspx
- ↑ https://www.medicaid.alabama.gov/content/9.0_Resources/9.5_FAQ_Pages/9.5.11_FAQ_My_Medicaid.aspx
- ↑ https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/52.htm
- ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/medicaid/portalhome/medicaid-providers/resources/beneficiary-eligibility-verification
- ↑ https://dfcs.georgia.gov/faq-0#DFCS12
- ↑ https://www.medicaid.nv.gov/Downloads/provider/Customer_Service_Center_Call_Menu.pdf
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