How to apply for Maryland Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

How to apply for Maryland Medicaid

The Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange accept Medicaid applications through several channels. Maryland Health Connection (the state's exchange portal) handles both Medicaid and marketplace plan determinations — a single application covers all options.

What you need to apply

Maryland verifies identity, residency, income, and citizenship or immigration status. Per the Maryland Department of Health's application guidance, gather:

• Full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number for each applicant
• Proof of Maryland residency — recent utility bill, bank statement, lease, or official mail at your address
• Income documentation — pay stubs from the past 30 days, employer letter, or most recent tax return if self-employed
• Immigration documents for non-citizen applicants (green card, I-94, visa, work authorization)
• Current health insurance information for anyone in the household already covered
• For seniors or people with disabilities applying for long-term care: additional medical documentation and financial records may be required

Processing times and when coverage starts

Under 42 CFR 435.912, Maryland must decide most Medicaid applications within 45 days. Disability-based applications can take up to 90 days. If you do not receive a decision within 45 days, contact the Maryland Department of Health at the Medical Assistance phone numbers listed on your application receipt.

Coverage typically starts the first day of the month you applied, if approved. Pregnant women may receive retroactive coverage going back up to three months prior to the application date. After approval, you will be enrolled in a HealthChoice MCO — you can then choose or change your plan within the selection window.

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 Maryland — 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 Maryland 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

   Maryland 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 Maryland 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.