Bring Your ID and Proof of Residency First

You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to prove who you are. You also need to show that you live in the state where you are explore, because Medicaid is run by each state separately and you must be a resident to join.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document usually needs to be from the last 30 to 60 days, though this varies by state. If you do not have utilities in your name, a letter from your landlord or a recent piece of mail from a government agency will work.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID and proof you live in the state, such as a recent utility bill or lease.
  • Have your Social Security number ready, and bring documents for anyone else on your process — spouse, children, or dependents.
  • Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to show your income for the last 30 days.
  • If you receive benefits like unemployment, food information, or child support, bring the award letter or statement showing the amount.
  • Bring proof of any medical expenses you pay, such as prescriptions or treatment costs, if your state counts these against your income.

Income Documents for the Last 30 Days

Medicaid looks at your income to decide whether you meet the income limit for your state. Bring the most recent pay stubs you have — usually the last two or three — along with a letter from your employer on company letterhead that states your job title, hourly rate or salary, and how often you are paid. If you are self-employed, bring your most recent tax return and a profit-and-loss statement for the current year.

If you do not have regular paychecks, bring documentation of any income you receive: unemployment benefit statements, Social Security award letters, pension statements, child support orders, or statements from a gig work platform. If you have no income at all, bring a written statement explaining that, and keep a copy for your records.

Documents for Your Spouse and Dependents

If you are explore as a household, you need to bring identification and income documents for everyone on the process. This includes your spouse and any children under 19 (or up to 26 in some states if they are in school). Bring their Social Security numbers, birth certificates or proof of citizenship, and their recent income documents if they work.

If a dependent is in school, bring a school enrollment letter or report card showing they are a full-time student. If anyone in your household is pregnant, bring a letter from a doctor or midwife confirming the pregnancy and expected due date — some states cover pregnant people under different rules.

Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status

You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant. Bring a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the United States, a passport with a U.S. visa stamp or an I-94 arrival record will work.

If you are a refugee, asylee, or have another immigration status, bring the document that shows your status — such as an I-797 approval notice or employment authorization document. Each state has different rules about which immigration statuses may have access to for Medicaid, so ask the caseworker which documents they need before you come in.

Medical Expenses and Deductions (If Your State Counts Them)

Some states subtract certain medical costs from your income when they calculate whether you meet the limit. If this applies in your state, bring receipts or statements for prescriptions you pay out of pocket, doctor visit copays, medical equipment, or ongoing treatment costs. Bring the last three months of these expenses if you have them.

Ask your local Medicaid office before you explore whether your state counts medical expenses this way. Not all states do, and you do not want to gather documents you do not need. If they do count them, ask which types of expenses may have access to — usually prescriptions and copays count, but over-the-counter items do not.

What to Bring If You Are Disabled or Elderly

If you are explore because you are disabled or over 65, bring any medical records or letters from a doctor that describe your condition. You do not need a formal disability information yet — the Medicaid office will order medical records themselves — but a doctor's letter speeds up the process.

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), bring your award letter. This letter shows the amount you receive each month and usually qualifies you for Medicaid automatically in most states, though you still have to file the process.

Documents for Housing and Expenses

If you pay rent or a mortgage, bring your lease or mortgage statement to show your housing cost. Some states count housing expenses when they calculate your income limit, especially for elderly or disabled people. Bring proof of other regular expenses if your state asks for them — utility bills, childcare costs, or court-ordered support payments.

Ask the Medicaid office whether they need these documents before you gather them. Many offices do not require them at the time you explore, but may ask for them later if your income is close to the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. While you wait, bring a passport, driver's license, or school records as temporary proof of identity. The Medicaid office can often move forward with your process while you get the birth certificate.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Most offices accept copies, but call ahead to ask. Some require you to bring originals so they can verify them, then return them to you. A few offices will accept documents you upload online or email instead of bringing them in person.

What if my income changes between when I explore and when I get approved?

Tell the Medicaid office about the change as soon as it happens. Bring updated pay stubs or a new letter from your employer. The office will use your current income to decide whether you meet the limit, not the income from when you applied.

Can I explore online instead of bringing documents in person?

Many states let you start an process online and upload documents, but some still require an in-person interview. Check your state's Medicaid website or call the local office to find out whether you can submit documents by mail, email, or online portal.

What happens if I forget to bring something?

The caseworker will tell you what is missing and give you a important date to send it in — usually 10 to 30 days. You can mail documents, email them, or bring them back in person. If you miss the important date, your process may be denied, but you can explore again.