Free Devices with Medicaid
If you receive Medicaid health insurance benefits, you may qualify for free or discounted phones, tablets, laptops, and internet service through government assistance programs.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families. The program covers medical expenses including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care.
Medicaid eligibility is based on income, household size, age, disability status, and other factors. Each state administers its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines. If you qualify for Medicaid, you automatically meet the income requirements for many device assistance programs.
How Medicaid Qualifies You for Free Devices
Medicaid participation is widely accepted as proof of eligibility for device assistance programs. This means if you receive Medicaid, you don't need to provide additional income documentation for these programs:
Lifeline Program
Medicaid recipients automatically qualify for the FCC Lifeline Program, which provides:
- Free or discounted phone service
- Free smartphones (in some cases)
- Up to $9.25/month discount on phone or internet service ($34.25/month on Tribal lands)
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Medicaid recipients also qualify for ACP, which offers:
- Up to $30/month discount on internet service ($75/month on Tribal lands)
- Up to $100 discount on devices (tablets, laptops, desktops) with a small co-pay ($10-$50)
- Can be combined with Lifeline for additional savings
Other Programs
Many nonprofit organizations and state programs also accept Medicaid as proof of eligibility for low-cost or free devices.
Programs That Accept Medicaid
The following programs accept Medicaid as proof of eligibility:
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How to Apply
- Verify Your Medicaid Status: Make sure you have an active Medicaid case. You'll need your Medicaid card or case number.
- Gather Documents: You may need a benefit letter from your state Medicaid office showing your participation, or your Medicaid card.
- Choose a Program: Browse programs that accept Medicaid using our Program Finder.
- Apply: Visit the program's official website and complete the application. Select "Medicaid" as your qualifying program when asked.
Required Documents
When applying for device programs with Medicaid, you may need:
- Medicaid benefit award letter (issued within the last 12 months)
- Medicaid card (as proof of participation)
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or other government-issued ID)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or other official document)
Important: Your Medicaid eligibility may be up for renewal. Make sure your benefits are current before applying. Learn more about how to renew your Medicaid coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be currently receiving Medicaid to qualify?
Yes, you typically need an active Medicaid case. Most programs require proof of current participation, usually within the last 12 months.
Does Medicaid renewal affect my device program eligibility?
If your Medicaid benefits expire or are not renewed, you may need to requalify for device programs based on income or other assistance programs. Check with your program provider about recertification requirements.
Can I use Medicaid to qualify for multiple programs?
Yes, you can use your Medicaid eligibility to apply for multiple device programs. However, you can typically only receive one Lifeline benefit per household.
Does CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) qualify?
CHIP eligibility varies by program. Some programs accept CHIP, while others specifically require Medicaid. Check with individual program providers for their specific requirements.
Ready to Find Programs?
Use our Program Finder to discover all programs that accept Medicaid.
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