Health and benefits
Who handles Medicaid?
Who handles it
Your state Medicaid agency handles applications, eligibility, and cards. The federal government sets requirements and shares the cost.
- Federal
- State
- Not Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 3 sources
Why federal and state government
States run Medicaid under federal requirements, and each state has its own eligibility rules.
What to do next
- Contact your state Medicaid agency to apply, check on an application, or replace a card.
- Or apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which sends your information to your state agency if you may qualify.
- Apply in the state where you live.
In your state
Find your state’s official offices on our state pages.
What varies
Eligibility rules and the documents you need differ by state.
Sources
Official recordMedicaid.gov: Medicaid
Official recordUSAGov: How to apply for Medicaid and CHIP