How to Get and Keep Medicaid (2026–2027 rules)

Your step-by-step path

1. 1
   Step 1

   Module 1 · 2 lessons · 4 min

   Medicaid basics

   What Medicaid pays for, and how it compares with Medicare, CHIP and Marketplace plans.

   • 1What Medicaid is and what it coversStart here2 min
   • 2Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP or a Marketplace plan: which is for you?2 min
2. 2
   Step 2

   Module 2 · 3 lessons · 7 min

   Do you qualify?

   The income limit, what happens if your state hasn't expanded Medicaid, and the 2026 immigration rules.

   • 3The income limit, and what counts as income3 min
   • 4If your state hasn't expanded Medicaid2 min
   • 5Citizenship and immigration rules (changed October 1, 2026)2 min
4. 3
   Step 3

   Module 3 · 3 lessons · 6 min

   Apply

   Where and how to apply, what to have ready, and what happens after you send it in.

   • 6How to apply for Medicaid2 min
   • 7What to have ready before you apply2 min
   • 8After you apply: what happens next2 min
5. 4
   Step 4

   Module 4 · 3 lessons · 8 min

   The new 2027 rules

   The 80-hour work rule, who's exempt, six-month renewals and copays for expansion adults.

   • 9The 80-hour work rule3 min
   • 10Are you exempt from the work rule?3 min
   • 11Renewals every 6 months, and copays from 20282 min
6. 5
   Step 5

   Module 5 · 2 lessons · 4 min

   Keeping your coverage

   How renewals work, what to report, and what to do if you're denied or cut off.

   • 12Renewals and reporting changes2 min
   • 13If you're denied or cut off2 min
7. 6
   Step 6

   Module 6 · 1 lessons · 2 min

   More help for your family

   Coverage for kids, help with Medicare costs, and care at home.

   • 14CHIP for kids, help with Medicare costs, and care at home2 min