While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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Medicaid is a federal U.S. health insurance program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans. The program primarily covers low-income adults, children pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
Federal guidelines for the Medicaid program are established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Learn more about Medicaid at a national level on the CMS website here.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) oversees Medicaid for American Indians and Alaska Natives. State Medicaid programs, including those for Tribes and those living on tribal lands, are administered by local governments and organizations. Find your state’s Medicaid profile here.
Through Medicaid, people gain access to health care services that may not be affordable without it. Additionally, some programs and benefits include special protections—such as provider network and payment methods—that help ensure services are accessible. Medicaid also provides preventive care and other services help people stay healthy and avoid costlier care.
Medicaid covers medical and health care services such as:
*Additional services, such as nursing homes or personal care services, may be available to those who have special needs.
Medicaid does not cover the following types of medical services:
Learn more about medical and health care services that are covered by Medicaid on the Benefits page here.
Native American and Alaskan Native participants are exempt from paying a monthly premium, which is a monthly fee for enrollment in the program. Native American and Alaskan Native participants are also exempt from paying small out-of-pocket cost for treatments, which are known as copayments.Other Medicaid participants who fall into one of the below categories are exempt from copayment fees:
To learn more about Medicaid cost exemptions for tribal members,click here.
To qualify for Medicaid as an American Indian or Alaska Native, you must:
Income limits vary depending on state, household size, medical status and other factors and are subject to change annually. Find the current Medicaid income limits based on household size here.
Learn what documents you can submit to prove your citizenship, identity and tribal status here.
Find further information on Medicaid eligibility here.
To apply for Medicaid for Tribes, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents you need here.
To find out how to apply for Medicaid through your state, click here.
To apply for Medicaid online, click here to access the national Healthcare Marketplace.
To apply for Medicaid in person, contact your local IHS, Tribal, Urban (I/T/U) facility. Find your nearest I/T/U location and contact information here.
If you apply in person, you will complete an interview at the time of your application submission to verify your eligibility for the program.
If you apply online, by mail, by phone, by fax or by email, you will complete the interview over the phone.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, call your local IHS, Tribal, Urban (I/T/U) facility. Find your nearest I/T/U location and contact information here.
Or, contact your state’s Medicaid agency. Find contact information for your state here.
Medicaid recipients must report changes that can influence their eligibility status, including:
Update your information in the following ways:
You can check the status of your application in the following ways:
The I/T/U facility will review your application to verify if you are eligible for Medicaid. In some cases, the state may ask for additional information before approving your application. The facility will mail applicants a letter detailing if their Medicaid application was approved or denied.
It takes approximately 45 days to process a Medicaid application. If you are approved, you will receive a Medicaid identification card within 2 weeks of when you receive your approval notification.
Medicaid applications will be denied when applicants do not meet the eligibility requirements. Also, beneficiaries can have their benefits terminated or reduced if their eligibility status changes while they are enrolled.
If your Medicaid application is denied or your benefits amount is reduced, you have the right to file an appeal. You must send a written appeal request soon after you receive notice of the denial or benefits reduction.
You can submit your written appeal request to your local IHS, Tribal, Urban (I/T/U) facility. Find your nearest I/T/U location and contact information here.
The I/T/U location will review your claim and may ask for additional information or evidence of your eligibility.
If you are granted a hearing, you will receive a notice with the date, time and location of the hearing. Learn more about the appeal process here.
Medicaid recipients must report changes that can influence their eligibility status, including relocating to a new address.
If you move to a new residence, you can update your address by contacting your local IHS, Tribal, Urban (I/T/U) facility. Find your nearest I/T/U location and contact information here.
Note: Medicaid benefits do not transfer. If you move to a new state, you must reapply for Medicaid in your new location. If you have further questions about moving with Medicaid, visit the national Medicaid Contact Us here.
For help with a Medicaid application, or for any further questions about the Medicaid program, contact:
Click here for additional American Indian and Alaska Native resources, such as brochures.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Medicaid program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Medicaid Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
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To apply for Medicaid for Tribes, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents you need here.
To find out how to apply for Medicaid through your state, click here.
To apply for Medicaid online, click here to access the national Healthcare Marketplace.
To apply for Medicaid in person, contact your local IHS, Tribal, Urban (I/T/U) facility. Find your nearest I/T/U location and contact information here.
If you apply in person, you will complete an interview at the time of your application submission to verify your eligibility for the program.
If you apply online, by mail, by phone, by fax or by email, you will complete the interview over the phone.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, call your local IHS, Tribal, Urban (I/T/U) facility. Find your nearest I/T/U location and contact information here.
Or, contact your state’s Medicaid agency. Find contact information for your state here.
Medicaid recipients must report changes that can influence their eligibility status, including:
Update your information in the following ways:
You can check the status of your application in the following ways:
The I/T/U facility will review your application to verify if you are eligible for Medicaid. In some cases, the state may ask for additional information before approving your application. The facility will mail applicants a letter detailing if their Medicaid application was approved or denied.
It takes approximately 45 days to process a Medicaid application. If you are approved, you will receive a Medicaid identification card within 2 weeks of when you receive your approval notification.
Medicaid applications will be denied when applicants do not meet the eligibility requirements. Also, beneficiaries can have their benefits terminated or reduced if their eligibility status changes while they are enrolled.
If your Medicaid application is denied or your benefits amount is reduced, you have the right to file an appeal. You must send a written appeal request soon after you receive notice of the denial or benefits reduction.
You can submit your written appeal request to your local IHS, Tribal, Urban (I/T/U) facility. Find your nearest I/T/U location and contact information here.
The I/T/U location will review your claim and may ask for additional information or evidence of your eligibility.
If you are granted a hearing, you will receive a notice with the date, time and location of the hearing. Learn more about the appeal process here.
For help with a Medicaid application, or for any further questions about the Medicaid program, contact:
Click here for additional American Indian and Alaska Native resources, such as brochures.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Medicaid program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Medicaid Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
