Understand your
healthcare coverage options.
Explore Medicaid, CHIP, Marketplace coverage and help with Medicare costs. Learn where each one starts and what to ask.
Program directory
Healthcare programs, at a glance
Medicaid and CHIP are based on income; Medicare is based on age or disability; the Marketplace fills gaps.
- 01
Medicaid
State health coverage
- Support
- Free or low-cost coverage
- Start here
- Your state Medicaid agency
- 02
CHIP
Children's coverage
- Support
- Coverage for children and some pregnant women
- Start here
- Your state agency
- 03
Marketplace coverage
HealthCare.gov
- Support
- Private plans with possible savings
- Start here
- HealthCare.gov or your state
- 04
Medicare
Age 65+ or disability
- Support
- Federal health insurance
- Start here
- Social Security
- Support
- Help paying Medicare costs
- Start here
- Your state Medicaid agency
- 06
Extra Help
Part D drug costs
- Support
- Lower prescription costs
- Start here
- Social Security
- 07
Community health centers
HRSA health centers
- Support
- Care with fees based on income
- Start here
- A health center near you
- 08
Hospital financial assistance
Charity care
- Support
- Help with hospital bills
- Start here
- The hospital billing office
Medicaid rules differ a lot by state, especially for adults without children or a disability.
Practical next steps
Finding the coverage you can actually get
- 1Check Medicaid firstYour state's rules decide who qualifies, so start with its Medicaid agency.
- 2Cover the childrenChildren may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP even when parents do not.
- 3Compare Marketplace plansIf you do not qualify for Medicaid, see what plans and savings are available.
- 4Ask about Medicare cost helpMedicare Savings Programs and Extra Help can lower costs.
- 5Use local care optionsHealth centers and hospital assistance can help while coverage is sorted out.
Get the facts
Myths about Medicaid, Medicare and Marketplace plans
- AssumptionIf the parents do not qualify, neither do the children.What to checkChildren often qualify for Medicaid or CHIP on their own. Apply for them separately.
- AssumptionYou can only get coverage during open enrollment.What to checkMedicaid and CHIP accept applications all year, and life changes can open special enrollment.
- AssumptionHospital bills can never be reduced.What to checkNonprofit hospitals must have a financial assistance policy. Ask the billing office.
Common pitfalls
Coverage gaps that catch people off guard
- Missed renewal lettersMedicaid renews every year. Watch your mail and answer on time.
- Outdated addressUpdate your address with the agency so renewal forms reach you.
- Unchecked billsAsk for an itemized bill and about assistance before paying.
Frequently asked questions
Healthcare questions, answered.
Start by checking Medicaid in your state, because it is free or low-cost for people who qualify. If you do not qualify, HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace can show plans and any savings you may get.
40 states and Washington, D.C. have adopted the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, which covers most adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Your state guide says whether your state has.
Often, yes. Children can qualify for Medicaid or CHIP at higher incomes than adults. Apply through your state agency or HealthCare.gov.
Yes. Medicare Savings Programs can help pay premiums and other costs, and Extra Help lowers Part D prescription costs. Apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your state and for Extra Help through Social Security.
Community health centers see patients regardless of insurance, with fees based on income. Nonprofit hospitals must also have financial assistance policies, so ask the billing office about help with a bill.
Official sources
Medicaid, Medicare and HealthCare.gov links
Independent guide
GrantsHubUSA explains programs and links to official resources. We do not run these programs or process applications.
Read our editorial policyEligibility wizard
Answer a few questions and see which programs are worth a closer look. Only the agency decides eligibility.