How to apply for North Dakota Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

Ways to apply for North Dakota Medicaid

North Dakota HHS accepts Medicaid applications through four methods. Online and phone applications are processed by the Customer Support Center and routed to the appropriate Human Service Zone for your county.

Documents to have ready

Per ND HHS, the following documents speed up the application process. Not everything is required for every coverage group — MAGI-based groups (expansion adults, children, pregnant women) do not require proof of assets.

• Proof of identity — birth certificate, government-issued photo ID, or passport
• Social Security number (for each household member applying)
• Proof of monthly income — pay stubs, tax return if self-employed, pension or disability award letters
• Proof of residency in North Dakota
• Proof of immigration status, if applicable
• Proof of assets (checking/savings statements, CDs) — required only for aged, blind, or disabled applicants
• Disability determination or SSI documentation, if applicable

Source: ND HHS Medicaid eligibility page. MAGI-based applicants (most adults, children, pregnant women) do not need to provide asset documentation.

Processing times and what happens after you apply

Federal rules require Medicaid applications to be processed within 45 days (90 days for disability determinations). North Dakota HHS processes most routine applications faster. Once approved, coverage is retroactive to the first day of the month in which you applied.

If you are denied, you have the right to request a fair hearing. North Dakota HHS must provide written notice with the reason for denial. You can appeal by contacting the Customer Support Center or filing a formal appeal through the address on your denial letter.

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 North Dakota — 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 North Dakota 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

   North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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.