Medicaid Frequently Asked Questions

Generally speaking, anyone may apply for assistance. Eligible applicants will ordinarily reside in North Dakota. Find out additional information on eligibility.

To apply, contact your local County Social Service Office. For local contact information, click on the county closest to your home on the locator map. You may also view the Application for Assistance, complete it, print and sign it, and deliver it to the County Social Service Office. Completing the application prior to visiting the County Social Service Office may help to shorten the eligibility determination process. You can also complete and file the application electronically using the online application system.

The County Social Service Office staff can assist you in the completion of the application and answer any questions you may have regarding the program.

The Department of Human Services must follow federal and state laws on privacy. Only those whose job requires them to view your personal information in order to administer the programs, or process payments, have access to your information. Department of Human Services staff and County Social Service agency staff are bound by strict confidentiality rules that do not allow unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.

The Department of Human Services provides a wide range of programs and services. You can return to the Financial Help page to review other programs that may be available to assist with your financial needs.

If you are a pregnant woman or a member of a family with children under age 21, and you ONLY want medical coverage, you can complete the Application for Health Care Coverage. If you also want to apply for coverage in a basic care facility, assistance with child care expenses, supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP), a TANF grant, for help with Medicare premiums, or if you are aged or disabled; there is a single application form that will allow you to apply for any or all of these programs that can be found on the Department's Application for Assistance page. You can also get either application form from your local County Social Service office (in person or by mail).

Recipient liability is the amount you are responsible to pay toward your medical expenses for the month. It is based on your monthly income and is similar to the deductible amount in an insurance policy.

Families with children and pregnant women will be required to choose a primary care provider who will be responsible for all of their health care and who will make referrals to specialists if needed. Certain other recipients are not required to choose a primary care provider. Selection of a primary care provider can be made through your local County Social Service office. More information regarding the requirements to choose a primary care provider can be located on the Publications web page.

Income is any money received which is considered to be available to a person for current use, such as wages, child support, social security benefits, other retirement benefits, etc.

The Medicaid program does not put liens against the property. Medicaid may use the estate recovery process on estates of people who were age 55 or older when they received Medicaid coverage or for people who were permanently institutionalized under age 55. When those individuals die, Medicaid may recover the cost of benefits paid out, BUT ONLY IF there is NOT a surviving spouse or a child who is younger than 21 or is blind or permanently and totally disabled.

Eligibility is based on income and, in some cases, assets. Medicaid has several different coverages with different income and asset levels. In general, assets are not considered in determining eligibility for children and family or pregnant woman coverage but are considered in determinations for disabled persons and people age 65 or older. Please contact your local county social service office for details.

If you are approved for Medicaid, the Medicaid program may pay for health services provided to you up to three months before the month the county social service office receives your signed application.

Medicare is part A and B insurance coverage through the Social Security Administration. Medicaid is a state program that covers Medicaid expenses and may be in addition to Medicare.

You can request a fair hearing if you do not agree with a decision about Medicaid eligibility. To request a hearing, you can contact your local county social service office.