How to apply for Massachusetts Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

How to apply for MassHealth in Massachusetts

MassHealth accepts applications through several paths depending on the applicant's age and situation. Per EOHHS guidance at mass.gov, most applicants under age 65 apply online or by phone. Seniors and people needing long-term care services use a dedicated enrollment center process.

What you need to apply for MassHealth

MassHealth verifies identity, Massachusetts residency, income, citizenship or immigration status, and household composition. Per EOHHS eligibility regulations, have the following ready before applying.

• Full legal name and date of birth for all household members applying
• Social Security numbers for all applicants who have them
• Proof of Massachusetts residency — utility bill, lease, bank statement, or official mail with current address
• Income documentation — recent pay stubs, employer letter, benefit award letters, or tax return if self-employed
• Immigration documents for non-citizen applicants — green card, visa, I-94, or Employment Authorization Document
• Current health insurance information for anyone in the household with existing coverage
• Medicare card (if applicable) for seniors applying for MassHealth secondary coverage

MassHealth may be able to verify some information electronically. The online portal specifies what additional documents are needed for your household.

How long does a MassHealth application take?

Under 42 CFR 435.912, Massachusetts must process most MassHealth applications within 45 days. Disability-based applications may take up to 90 days. Applications for long-term care services through MassHealth Enrollment Centers may also take longer due to the additional financial and functional assessment required.

Coverage starts on the first of the month you applied, assuming approval. Pregnant individuals may receive retroactive MassHealth coverage going back three months prior to the application date.

Massachusetts has strong automatic renewal infrastructure — many members are renewed without submitting any documentation. Keeping your contact information current at mahix.org is the most important step you can take to avoid any gap in coverage.

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 Massachusetts — 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 MassHealth (Massachusetts 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

   MassHealth (Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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.