Health coverage and medical-cost assistance may help people obtain insurance, reduce premiums or prescription costs, find lower-cost care, or get help with large medical bills.
There is no single program for everyone. Eligibility depends on age, income, disability, household circumstances, state rules, and other factors.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible people with limited income and resources. States administer their own Medicaid programs, so eligibility and covered services vary by state.
You may be able to apply through your state Medicaid agency or through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Go to Medicaid:
Find your state Medicaid program through USAGov or Medicaid.gov.
CHIP — Health Coverage for Children
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health coverage to uninsured children in families whose income may be too high for Medicaid but still within their state’s CHIP limits.
CHIP rules vary by state, and some states also cover certain pregnant people through CHIP.
Go to CHIP:
Use your state CHIP program or the Health Insurance Marketplace to check eligibility.
Health Insurance Marketplace
People who do not have affordable coverage through an employer, Medicaid, Medicare, or another program may be able to purchase private insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Depending on household circumstances, some applicants may qualify for financial assistance that lowers premiums or other costs.
Enrollment usually happens during an annual Open Enrollment period, but certain life events may qualify someone for a Special Enrollment Period. Medicaid and CHIP applications can be made throughout the year.
Go to Health Insurance Marketplace:
Use HealthCare.gov. If your state operates its own Marketplace, HealthCare.gov will direct you there.
Medicare
Medicare is federal health insurance primarily for people age 65 or older and for some younger people with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions.
People with limited income and resources may qualify for additional help through programs such as:
- Medicare Savings Programs, which may help pay certain Medicare costs
- Extra Help, which can reduce Medicare prescription-drug costs
Go to Medicare:
Use Medicare.gov for current coverage, enrollment, and cost-assistance information.
Affordable Care Without Insurance
If you do not have health insurance, you may still be able to receive lower-cost medical or dental care.
Federally supported Health Centers provide primary medical and dental care regardless of whether a person has insurance. Fees are generally based on ability to pay.
Find a Health Center:
Use HRSA’s Find a Health Center tool to locate a community health center near you.
Help With Prescription Costs
Prescription-cost assistance may be available through:
- Medicare Extra Help
- Medicare Savings Programs
- State pharmaceutical-assistance programs
- Medicaid
- Manufacturer or other assistance programs, depending on the medication and individual circumstances
People with Medicare should start with Medicare.gov’s cost-assistance resources.
Help With Medical Bills
If you receive a medical bill you cannot afford, do not assume you must immediately pay the full amount.
You may be able to:
- Ask the provider to review or reduce the bill
- Request a payment plan
- Apply for the hospital’s financial-assistance program
- Ask whether a patient advocate can help
- Review whether federal protections against certain surprise medical bills apply
Nonprofit hospitals are required to maintain financial-assistance policies for eligible patients, and other providers may offer assistance as well.
Unexpected or Surprise Medical Bills
Federal law provides protections against certain unexpected out-of-network medical bills.
If you believe you received a bill that may violate these protections, CMS provides information and a No Surprises Help Desk.
Before You Apply
Depending on the program, you may be asked for information about:
- Household members
- Income
- Current health coverage
- Age
- Residency
- Disability status
- Other insurance or benefits
The official program will tell you exactly what documentation is required.
Do not send Social Security numbers, Medicare or Medicaid identification numbers, insurance-login credentials, medical records, immigration documents, banking information, or other sensitive records to Open Door Peace through ordinary website messages or email.
Immigration and Health Benefits
Eligibility for health programs can depend on immigration status and the specific program.
Do not assume that you or a family member cannot receive health care or coverage because of immigration status. Rules differ by program and state, and children or other household members may have different eligibility from one another.
For an important immigration-related benefits question, confirm current official information or consult qualified legal assistance before making a decision.
Important
Open Door Peace provides general information and navigation to health-coverage and medical-cost resources.
We do not determine eligibility, enroll people in insurance, give medical advice, select health plans, negotiate medical bills, or guarantee financial assistance.
Health-program rules, enrollment periods, costs, and eligibility requirements can change. Always confirm current information directly with the official program, insurer, provider, or government agency.