Yes. Being homeless does not disqualify you from Medicaid. In fact, people experiencing homelessness are often among the highest-priority groups for Medicaid coverage because of the significant health risks that come with housing instability. You do not need a permanent address to apply, and you do not need a fixed income. What you need is to meet your state’s income and eligibility rules — and in most states, those rules are more accessible than people realize.
This guide explains exactly how Medicaid works for homeless individuals, what the eligibility requirements are, how to apply without a home address, and what to do if your state has not expanded Medicaid.
Need immediate help? Call 211 for emergency shelter, healthcare referrals, and housing assistance programs in your area. This article is for informational purposes — Medicaid applications must be submitted through your state’s official program.
What Medicaid Covers for Homeless People
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program that provides free or low-cost coverage to people with low incomes. For someone experiencing homelessness, Medicaid can cover:
- Doctor visits and urgent care — including primary care and specialists
- Emergency room visits — at no cost to you in most cases
- Prescription medications — critical for people managing chronic conditions
- Mental health treatment — therapy, psychiatric care, and counseling
- Substance use disorder treatment — including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder
- Dental care — in most states, at least for emergency dental services
- Vision care — eye exams and glasses in many states
- Hospital stays — inpatient and outpatient care
For people living outside or in shelters, access to mental health and substance use treatment through Medicaid is often the most transformative benefit — conditions that contribute to homelessness can be treated, making stable housing more achievable.
Do You Qualify for Medicaid If You Are Homeless?
Medicaid eligibility is determined by income, household size, age, and the state you live in — not your housing status. Here is a quick summary of who typically qualifies:
| Group | Eligibility Path | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Adults 19–64 (expansion states) | ACA Medicaid expansion | Up to 138% FPL |
| Adults 19–64 (non-expansion states) | Limited — must fit another category | Varies; often very low or no path |
| Children under 19 | Medicaid or CHIP | Up to 200–300%+ FPL (varies by state) |
| Pregnant women | Pregnancy Medicaid | Up to 200%+ FPL in most states |
| Adults 65+ | Aged Medicaid | Varies by state; often below 100% FPL plus asset test |
| People with disabilities | SSI-linked or disability Medicaid | Automatic with SSI in most states |
| SSI recipients | Automatic Medicaid enrollment | No separate income test in most states |
Here is how the main eligibility categories break down in more detail:
Adults in Medicaid Expansion States
Forty states plus Washington D.C. have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. In these states, adults ages 19–64 with incomes at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify — regardless of whether they have children, a disability, or a fixed address.
In 2026, 138% FPL income limits for adult Medicaid eligibility in expansion states are approximately:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (138% FPL) | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,120 | $1,677 |
| 2 people | $27,214 | $2,268 |
| 3 people | $34,307 | $2,859 |
| 4 people | $41,400 | $3,450 |
| 5 people | $48,493 | $4,041 |
| Each additional person | +$7,093 | +$591 |
Figures are federal minimums for 2026 and apply in all 40 expansion states plus Washington D.C. Some states set slightly higher limits — always confirm with your state Medicaid agency.
If you have no income at all — which is common when homeless — you fall far below every threshold above and almost certainly qualify in an expansion state.
Adults in Non-Expansion States
Ten states have not expanded Medicaid: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In these states, most adults without dependent children do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income.
If you live in a non-expansion state, your options depend on your specific situation. You may still qualify if you are:
- Pregnant
- The parent or caretaker of a dependent child
- Age 65 or older
- Blind or have a qualifying disability
If you do not fit those categories in a non-expansion state, see the section below on other options.
Children
Children are covered by Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in all 50 states. Income limits for children are significantly higher than for adults — most states cover children up to 200% or even 300% of FPL. If you have children, they almost certainly qualify regardless of your housing situation.
People with Disabilities
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are automatically eligible for Medicaid in most states. People with qualifying disabilities who do not receive SSI may also qualify through separate Medicaid disability pathways.
Seniors 65 and Older
Adults 65 and older who meet income limits qualify for Medicaid, which can supplement Medicare coverage and pay for long-term care costs Medicare does not cover.
The Address Problem — And How to Solve It
The most common barrier homeless people face when applying for Medicaid is the address requirement. Most application forms ask for a home address. But you do not need a permanent home address to apply for Medicaid.
Here are accepted alternatives used across most states:
- Shelter address — If you are staying at an emergency shelter, you can use the shelter’s address as your mailing address. Let the shelter know you are using their address for benefits applications.
- Day center or service organization address — Many homeless service organizations allow clients to use their address for mail. Ask your local organization if this is available.
- General Delivery — The U.S. Postal Service allows mail pickup at a post office without a permanent address. Give your caseworker the post office address in the format: Your Name, General Delivery, City, State, Zip Code.
- Friend or family member’s address — You can use a trusted person’s address as your mailing address if they agree.
- Homeless liaison or caseworker address — Some counties and Medicaid offices allow a caseworker’s contact information to be used on your application.
When you apply, note clearly in the application that you are experiencing homelessness and using an alternative mailing address. Medicaid agencies are required to work with applicants who do not have a fixed address.
How to Apply for Medicaid When Homeless
Step 1: Find your state’s Medicaid application
Every state has an online application portal. Find yours at healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596. You can also apply in person at your local Department of Social Services or equivalent agency.
Step 2: Gather what you have
You do not need everything perfectly organized. Bring or upload what you have:
- Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) — if you don’t have one, see the section below
- Social Security number or card (if you have it)
- Proof of income — pay stubs, award letters, or a statement that you have no income
- An address for mail (use one of the alternatives listed above)
Step 3: Submit your application
Apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person. For someone with no computer access, the phone and in-person options are often easiest. If you are in a shelter, ask if a caseworker can help you apply — many shelters have staff specifically for benefits enrollment.
Step 4: Complete the interview if required
Some states require a brief phone interview after you apply. If you do not have a phone number, provide the shelter’s phone number or a caseworker’s number where you can be reached.
Step 5: Get your Medicaid card
If approved, your Medicaid card will be mailed to the address you provided. Benefits typically begin on the first day of the month you applied, or in some cases the date of application.
What If You Have No ID?
Lack of identification is a common barrier. These options may help:
- Many states allow Medicaid enrollment without ID if you can verify your identity another way (such as answering knowledge-based questions)
- Free ID programs exist in most states — ask your local shelter or call 211 for ID assistance in your area
- Medicaid itself can sometimes be used to get a birth certificate which is the first step toward getting a state ID — ask your caseworker about this
Do not let lack of ID stop you from starting the application process. Apply and explain your situation.
What Medicaid Does Not Cover
Medicaid does not cover everything. Common gaps include:
- Long-term or custodial care — only covered for people who meet specific functional criteria
- Non-emergency dental care — varies widely by state; some states cover only emergency dental
- Cosmetic procedures — not covered
- Over-the-counter medications — generally not covered
- Services from providers who don’t accept Medicaid — always confirm your provider accepts Medicaid before an appointment
If You Live in a Non-Expansion State
If you live in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, or Wyoming and do not qualify for Medicaid, these alternatives may help:
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide healthcare on a sliding-scale fee based on income — meaning at or near no cost for people with zero income. Find your nearest FQHC at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program — if you are HIV-positive, this federal program provides healthcare and medications regardless of Medicaid status.
Free clinics — volunteer-run clinics in many cities provide basic care at no cost. Call 211 for the nearest free clinic in your area.
Pair your healthcare search with food assistance programs and emergency shelter resources to address your full range of immediate needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get Medicaid without a permanent address?
Yes. You do not need a permanent home address to qualify for or receive Medicaid. You can use a shelter address, a day center address, General Delivery at a post office, or a caseworker’s address as your mailing address. When you apply, note that you are experiencing homelessness — Medicaid agencies are required to work with applicants who lack fixed housing.
What states cover homeless adults under Medicaid?
The 40 Medicaid expansion states plus Washington D.C. cover adults ages 19–64 who earn at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, with no requirement for children, disability, or a home address. Non-expansion states — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming — generally do not cover childless adults regardless of income.
Does Medicaid cover mental health treatment for homeless people?
Yes. Medicaid covers outpatient mental health therapy, psychiatric medications, crisis services, and in most states, inpatient psychiatric care. Substance use disorder treatment including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder is also covered. These services are often the most critical benefit for people experiencing homelessness with co-occurring mental health conditions.
Can I get Medicaid if I have no income at all?
Yes — having zero income actually strengthens your Medicaid eligibility in expansion states, since your income falls well below the 138% FPL threshold. When you apply, you can select “no income” on the application. A Medicaid caseworker may ask for a brief statement explaining your situation.
How long does Medicaid approval take for a homeless person?
In most states, Medicaid decisions are made within 45 days of application — or within 90 days if disability is involved. Some states offer presumptive eligibility, which provides temporary Medicaid coverage while your full application is being processed. Ask your caseworker or the Medicaid agency whether presumptive eligibility is available in your state.
What if I move to a different state while on Medicaid?
Medicaid does not transfer between states. If you move, you need to apply for Medicaid in your new state. Your previous state’s coverage ends when you establish residency in the new state. Notify both states of your move. If you are between states, emergency Medicaid is available in all states for life-threatening situations regardless of residency.
Can Medicaid help me get a birth certificate or ID?
Medicaid cannot directly provide a birth certificate, but many Medicaid enrollment caseworkers and homeless service organizations can connect you with programs that help obtain vital records at no cost. Having Medicaid coverage also gives you a documented healthcare record that can support identity verification in some states. Call 211 for ID assistance programs in your area.
Does Medicaid cover emergency room visits for homeless people?
Yes. Medicaid covers emergency room visits with little or no cost to you. This is one of the most immediately useful benefits for people experiencing homelessness, who often rely on emergency rooms for basic care. Having Medicaid before an emergency prevents large hospital bills and ensures you receive the care you need.