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How to Qualify and Apply for Medicaid in Maryland
The steps below will help you understand how to apply for Medicaid and get care through Kaiser Permanente for yourself or your child.
3. Complete your Medicaid application.
Online
Apply online at marylandhealthconnection.gov. This is the fastest, easiest way to apply – most applicants will find out immediately if they qualify.
By Phone
To apply over the phone, call Maryland Health Connection at 1-855-642-8572 or 1-855-642-8573 (TTY), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Person
Maryland Health Connection trained staff are available across the state to provide free, in-person help for applying to Medicaid. Visit marylandhealthconnection.gov/get-help-enrolling to find a Certified Application Counselor, local connector entity or navigator near you.
In addition to completing your Medicaid application, you may be asked to provide additional documents such as:
- Identification
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Immigration Status
- Proof of residency (you must live in the state in which you apply)
- Household income
4. Receive approval for Medicaid.
After you’ve been approved for Medicaid, here’s what you need to do to select Medicaid with Kaiser Permanente:
Most applicants who apply online find out immediately if they qualify for Medicaid, but it could take up to 45 days.
Once your paperwork has been reviewed and approved, you’ll receive a red and white card in the mail within 14 days.
Then you’ll receive an enrollment packet, which allows you to choose the managed care organization (MCO) to provide your care. Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) are health care organizations that provide health care benefits to Medicaid recipients in Maryland.
After you’ve been approved for Medicaid, here’s what you need to do to select Medicaid with Kaiser Permanente:
1. Choose Kaiser Permanente as your Managed Care Organization.
There are several ways you can choose Kaiser Permanente as your MCO:
- Visit www.marylandhealthconnection.gov and log into your account.
- Download Maryland Health Connection’s free mobile app, Enroll MHC.
- Call Maryland Health Connection at 1-855-642-8572 (TTY: 1-855-642-8573).
- Request an enrollment kit be mailed to you (you can do so in your online account or by calling Maryland Health Connection).
If you don’t select an MCO, one will be automatically chosen for you.
2. Receive a new-member packet from Kaiser Permanente once you’re enrolled.
After you select Kaiser Permanente as your MCO, you’ll receive a new-member packet and your Kaiser Permanente ID card.
Please continue to bring your red and white Medicaid card to your appointments even after you receive your Kaiser Permanente ID card.
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Call the Kaiser Permanente
Medicaid Assistance Center at
1-800-436-3717 (toll free) or 711 (TTY),
11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Español: 1-800-427-5416