Who Can Get Medicaid in Maryland?
Medicaid provides low-cost health insurance to about 1.8 million people in Maryland. That’s about 1 in 4 people in the state. Half of the people covered by Medicaid are children.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a public health insurance program that helps cover medical costs for low-income individuals and families. It is the largest healthcare program in the United States.
Who provides Medicaid?
States run Medicaid based on rules from the federal government. Both the federal and state governments fund the program.
Who is eligible for Medicaid?
You may be able to get Medicaid based on:
- Income
- Age
- Family size
- Pregnancy status
- Disability
To get Medicaid in Maryland, you must:
- Live in Maryland
- Meet Medicaid’s citizenship or immigration requirements. For more information, see Medicaid immigration status requirements.
- Meet certain income limits (varies by household size)
Some people may also need to meet extra rules.
| Other Eligibility Requirements | Example |
| Technical | Certain age or disability |
| Financial | Medical |
| Medical | Medical |
Can children get Medicaid?
Yes, children are eligible for Medicaid in Maryland. The Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) provides free health coverage to kids under 19.To qualify, a child must:
- Live in Maryland
- Meet Medicaid’s citizenship or immigration requirements. For more information, see Medicaid immigration status requirements.
- Be under 19 years of age
- Not have other health insurance
- Meet certain income limits based on their family size
- Have or apply for a Social Security number
Can immigrants or green card holders get Medicaid?
Some immigrants can qualify for Medicaid. Eligibility depends on your immigration status and other requirements.
Different rules may apply to children under 21 and pregnant individuals.
For more information, see Medicaid immigration status requirements.
What immigration statuses are eligible for Medicaid?
Starting October 1, 2026, Medicaid eligibility based on immigration status is generally limited to:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who meet or are exempt from the five-year rule
- Cuban/Haitian entrants
- and COFA migrants
Different rules may apply to children under 21 and pregnant individuals.
For more information, see Medicaid immigration status requirements.
How do I know if I can get Medicaid?
Applying is the only way to know if you are eligible for Medicaid. Even if you didn’t qualify before, you might qualify now.
How to apply for Medicaid in Maryland? You can apply:
- online at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov
- by downloading the free mobile app, EnrollMHC
- by visiting a local connector entity, health department, or department of social service
- by calling 1-855-642-8572 (TTY: 1-855-642-8573)
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child may be eligible for Medicaid even if you are not. Learn more about the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP).
You do not need to apply. You are eligible for Medicaid if you get SSI.
You do not need to provide an SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for Medicaid unless you request financial help.
If you have a disability, you may qualify for Medicaid while waiting for Medicare.
Sources
https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/Pages/home.aspx
https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/eligibility/Pages/generalrequirements.aspx
https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/chp/Pages/Home.aspx
https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/MHC_Factsheet_Veterans.pdf
https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/MHC_Factsheet_ImmigrantFamiliesEligibility.pdf
