How to Check Your Medicaid Status (Do I Have Medicaid?)

Reviewed October 15, 2026. To check whether you have Medicaid, or the status of a Medicaid application, contact your state Medicaid agency: sign in to your state’s benefits portal, call its Medicaid helpline, or call or visit your local county or social services office. Medicaid.gov says you must contact your state Medicaid agency to check an application, eligibility or renewal, because each state, not the federal government, decides who is covered. If you have a Medicaid card or a health plan card, a letter approving coverage, or you get SSI in most states, you likely have Medicaid.

Quick answer: Find your state on Medicaid.gov’s where can people get help with Medicaid and CHIP page, which lists each state’s website and phone numbers. States generally must decide applications within 45 days, or 90 days if you applied based on a disability.

How do I know if I have Medicaid?

These are the most reliable signs, from strongest to weakest:

1. An approval notice from your state. When a state approves Medicaid, it sends a written notice, and many states also post it in your online account.
2. A Medicaid or health plan card. Depending on your state you may get a state Medicaid card, a managed care plan card, or both. Texas, for example, gives each person a Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card, while Ohio members use their managed care plan’s ID card.
3. Your state benefits account shows active coverage, renewal dates and notices.
4. SSI in most states. Social Security says that “in most States, if you are an SSI recipient, you may be automatically eligible for Medicaid; an SSI application is also an application for Medicaid.” A few states make their own decision, so confirm with your state. (SSA)
5. If you also have Medicare: a purple “Deemed Status Notice” from Medicare means you automatically qualify for Extra Help, which happens when you have Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program or SSI. (Medicare.gov)

If you’re not sure, the state Medicaid agency can confirm your coverage. Doctors’ offices can also check eligibility for patients through their state’s provider system.

How to check your Medicaid application status

1. Sign in to your state’s benefits portal with the account you used to apply. Many show application status, notices and requests for documents.
2. Call your state Medicaid helpline or your county or local social services office. Have your application number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready.
3. Check your mail and email for requests for information. A missing document is the most common reason an application stalls.
4. If you applied on HealthCare.gov, see the next section.

How long does a Medicaid decision take?

Federal rules say a state’s eligibility decision may not take longer than 90 days for people applying on the basis of disability and 45 days for everyone else, except in unusual circumstances, such as when the applicant delays providing information. (42 CFR 435.912) Some states set shorter limits for some groups; New York, for example, lists 30 days for pregnant applicants and children.

If you applied through HealthCare.gov

If HealthCare.gov finds you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, it says “we’ll securely send your information to your state agency” and “your state will contact you about enrollment.” In some states, called assessment states, the state then makes the final decision; in determination states, the state accepts the Marketplace’s decision for income-based Medicaid. Either way, once your file is transferred, the state agency holds your case, so status questions go to the state. You can see your eligibility notice in your HealthCare.gov account, and if the state denies you, it sends you a letter and your information goes back to the Marketplace. The Marketplace Call Center is 1-800-318-2596. (HealthCare.gov; Medicaid.gov FAQ)

Check Medicaid status online: state portal examples

For every other state, use Medicaid.gov’s state selector or our guide to signing in to your state Medicaid portal. Florida residents can follow our step-by-step Florida Medicaid status guide.

Check Medicaid eligibility before you apply

Medicaid.gov says that “to find out for sure if you’re eligible for Medicaid, you must contact your state Medicaid agency.” You can get a good idea first with your state’s screening tool or HealthCare.gov. Our Medicaid eligibility tool guide lists free ways to check whether you qualify.

Keep your Medicaid: renewals and the 2027 change

Having Medicaid today doesn’t mean you’ll keep it automatically. Under federal rules (42 CFR 435.916):

• States renew coverage at least every 12 months, first trying to renew automatically using information they already have.
• If they can’t, they mail a renewal form and give you at least 30 days to respond.
• If you lose coverage for not returning the form, the state must reconsider without a new application if you send it within 90 days after coverage ends.

New for 2027: a 2025 federal law requires states to renew coverage every six months for most adults in the Medicaid expansion group, starting with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. Older adults, people with disabilities and other non-expansion groups keep 12-month renewals. (CMS letter SMD 26-001) Keep your address current with your state so renewal notices reach you. See how Medicaid renewal works.

If you have Medicare and Medicaid

People with both Medicare and full Medicaid are “dually eligible” and automatically get Extra Help with Part D drug costs. If you receive a purple Deemed Status Notice, keep it; it’s proof Medicare knows about your Medicaid or Medicare Savings Program. A “Loss of Deemed Status” notice, which Medicare mails in September, means you won’t automatically qualify next year, often because your Medicaid ended, so check with your state. During Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, 2026, dual-eligible members can compare 2027 plans; see Medicaid vs Medicare and dual eligibility, Extra Help and how to check if you have Medicare.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check my Medicaid status online?

Sign in to your state’s Medicaid or benefits portal, such as YourTexasBenefits.com, COMPASS in Pennsylvania or MyACCESS in Florida. Medicaid.gov links to every state’s site.

How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid?

Federal rules give states up to 45 days, or 90 days for disability-based applications, unless there are unusual circumstances. Many decisions come sooner.

Can I check my Medicaid status by phone?

Yes. Call your state Medicaid helpline or your county social services office. Medicaid.gov lists each state’s phone numbers.

I applied on HealthCare.gov. Who do I ask about Medicaid?

Your state Medicaid agency, once HealthCare.gov has sent your information there. Check your HealthCare.gov account for your eligibility notice.

Do I get Medicaid automatically with SSI?

In most states, yes: Social Security says an SSI application is also a Medicaid application. In a few states you must apply separately with the state.

What if I lost my Medicaid card?

Contact your state or, if you’re in a managed care plan, the plan. Some states, such as Texas, let you print a temporary card from your online account.

This article is general information. Medicare365 is an independent website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state Medicaid agency, CMS or any U.S. government agency.

Sources

• Medicaid.gov: Where can people get help with Medicaid and CHIP
• Medicaid.gov: Eligibility
• 42 CFR 435.912: Timely determinations
• 42 CFR 435.916: Renewals
• CMS: SMD letter 26-001 on six-month renewals (PDF)
• HealthCare.gov: Medicaid and CHIP
• SSA: SSI and other benefits
• Medicare.gov: Extra Help notices