Medicaid Free Government Phone
Medicaid enrollment is one of the most common ways households qualify for a Free Government Phone.
Yes — Medicaid is a Lifeline qualifying program. If anyone in your household is enrolled in Medicaid (including your state's Medicaid program under its own name, like Medi-Cal or TennCare), your household qualifies for a Free Government Phone.
Does CHIP count?
Lifeline recognizes Medicaid. Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage that is separate from Medicaid is generally not listed as a qualifying program — check your state's rules or qualify through income.
Does Medicare count?
No. Medicare is a federal health program for people 65+ or with certain disabilities and is not a Lifeline qualifier. People on both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible) qualify through Medicaid.
Proof of Medicaid
- Medicaid card (with your name and the program name)
- Medicaid approval or renewal letter
- Statement of benefits from your state Medicaid agency
Medicaid program names by state
| State | Medicaid program |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Medicaid |
| Alaska | Alaska Medicaid (DenaliCare) |
| Arizona | AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Medicaid (ARHOME) |
| California | Medi-Cal |
| Colorado | Health First Colorado |
| Connecticut | HUSKY Health |
| Delaware | Delaware Medicaid |
| Florida | Florida Medicaid |
| Georgia | Georgia Medicaid |
| Hawaii | Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid) |
| Idaho | Idaho Medicaid |
| Illinois | Illinois Medicaid (HealthChoice Illinois) |
| Indiana | Indiana Medicaid (Hoosier Healthwise / HIP) |
| Iowa | Iowa Medicaid |
| Kansas | KanCare |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Medicaid |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana) |
| Maine | MaineCare |
| Maryland | Maryland Medicaid |
| Massachusetts | MassHealth |
| Michigan | Michigan Medicaid (Healthy Michigan Plan) |
| Minnesota | Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Medicaid |
| Missouri | MO HealthNet |
| Montana | Montana Medicaid |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Medicaid (Heritage Health) |
| Nevada | Nevada Medicaid |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Medicaid |
| New Jersey | NJ FamilyCare |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care) |
| New York | New York Medicaid |
| North Carolina | NC Medicaid |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Medicaid |
| Ohio | Ohio Medicaid |
| Oklahoma | SoonerCare |
| Oregon | Oregon Health Plan (OHP) |
| Pennsylvania | Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania Medicaid) |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Medicaid |
| South Carolina | Healthy Connections (SC Medicaid) |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Medicaid |
| Tennessee | TennCare |
| Texas | Texas Medicaid |
| Utah | Utah Medicaid |
| Vermont | Green Mountain Care (Vermont Medicaid) |
| Virginia | Cardinal Care (Virginia Medicaid) |
| Washington | Apple Health (Washington Medicaid) |
| Washington DC | DC Medicaid |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Medicaid |
| Wisconsin | BadgerCare Plus (Wisconsin Medicaid) |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Medicaid |
| Puerto Rico | Plan Vital (Puerto Rico Medicaid) |
Frequently asked questions
My Medicaid card has a different name. Does it count?
Yes. Many states name their Medicaid program differently — Medi-Cal, MassHealth, SoonerCare, and so on. All count as Medicaid.
Does my child's Medicaid qualify the household?
Yes. If your dependent is enrolled in Medicaid, your household qualifies.
Is Medicare a qualifying program?
No. Medicare alone does not qualify, but you may qualify through income or another program.
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