How to apply for District of Columbia Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

DC Medicaid IMA Service Centers

DC's Income Maintenance Administration operates five service centers serving residents across all eight wards. Each processes Medicaid applications for low-income families, children, and pregnant women.

Source: DHCF Medicaid page (dhcf.dc.gov/service/medicaid). TTY: 711. Call (202) 727-5355 to confirm current hours before visiting.

What to bring when applying

• Proof of DC residency — utility bill, lease, or government mail showing your address
• Proof of identity — DC driver's license, DC ID, birth certificate, or passport
• Social Security number for each household member applying
• Proof of income — pay stubs, employer letters, Social Security or disability award letters
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• If applying for a child: documentation of the child's relationship to you

Other insurance — what DC Medicaid requires you to know

DC Medicaid operates as a payer of last resort. Per DHCF, if you have any other health insurance — employer-sponsored, COBRA, Medicare, workers' compensation, or liability coverage — you must report it to DHCF. When Medicaid and other insurance both apply, your primary insurance must be billed first.

DC Medicaid requires members to assign their rights to medical payments from any source to DHCF. This is a standard condition of enrollment — it allows DHCF to recover amounts paid for services that were also covered by another party (e.g., auto accident liability coverage). Failing to report third-party coverage can affect eligibility.

What documents you'll need

Gather these before starting your application. Having them ready prevents delays caused by missing information requests, which can add weeks to the review.

• Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
• Proof of residency in District of Columbia — utility bill, lease, or official mail with your address
• Social Security numbers for all household members applying
• Proof of income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, employer letter, or benefit award letters
• Tax filing information if self-employed — prior year return is typically acceptable
• Immigration documents if applicable — green card, visa, or I-94 arrival/departure record
• Health insurance information if you currently have coverage through an employer or other source

Not every document is required for every applicant. The application will specify what DC Medicaid needs based on your household composition.

The application process, step by step

1. 1

   Gather your documents

   Collect proof of identity, residency, income, and household composition before you start. Having everything ready means you can complete the application in one sitting.

2. 2

   Submit the application

   Apply through your preferred method — online is fastest. The application asks about income, household size, citizenship status, and whether anyone in the household has other insurance. Answer completely to avoid requests for more information.

3. 3

   Respond to any follow-up requests

   DC Medicaid may request additional documents or clarification. Respond promptly — delays in providing information can pause or restart the review clock.

4. 4

   Receive your eligibility notice

   The agency will send a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, the notice will state your coverage start date and what benefits you're eligible for.

What to expect after you apply

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most Medicaid applications within 45 days of receipt. Applications based on disability take up to 90 days. If District of Columbia hasn't issued a decision by those deadlines, the agency must notify you in writing with the reason for delay.

Medicaid coverage typically starts on the first day of the month in which you applied, assuming you're determined eligible. In some cases — particularly for pregnant women — retroactive coverage going back up to three months may apply if you received qualifying medical services during that period.

Keep your contact information updated while your application is pending. A notice sent to an old address counts as received.

If your application is denied

A denial notice must state the specific reason and your right to appeal. You have the right to request a fair hearing — typically within 90 days of the denial notice — where you can present evidence and contest the decision before an impartial hearing officer.

Common denial reasons include income above the limit, failure to verify documents within the required timeframe, or a missing signature. Many denials can be resolved by reapplying with the correct documentation.