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2.1 Applications Introduction Anyone has the right to apply for Medicaid; however, people younger than 18 years old must have a parent, caretaker relative, or legal guardian apply for Medicaid on their behalf unless they are living independently. In situations where a legal guardian, parent, or caretaker is absent, an adult acting responsibly may apply on behalf of a person who is younger than 18 years old. The applicant may be assisted by any person they choose in completing an application. Anyone who expresses interest in applying should be encouraged to file an application as soon as possible (see SECTION 2.2 APPLICATION METHODS). The income maintenance (IM) agency must provide the following documents at application or a new request for health care on an existing case: • Notice of Assignment: Child Support, Family Support, Maintenance, and Medical Support (DWSP 2477) must be provided to all applicants. • Child Support Cooperation & Good Cause notice (DCF-P-5600) must be provided to applicants with children applying for health care who have an absent parent. The IM agency must also provide this notice to the member in situations where a parent leaves the home resulting in a child on the case now having an absent parent. Exception: The IM agency does not need to provide these documents to applicants who apply via ACCESS since this information is included in the ACCESS application. The IM agency must also provide these documents to anyone who requests them. 2.1.1 Health Requests for People Open for Other Programs People open for non-health care program(s) who want to enroll in a health care program must sign an application or program request for health care. If they or someone else in the household is already open for a health care program, they can request another health care program without a new application or new signature. Example 1 Tim and Carrie are married. When Tim applies for health care, he indicates that he is requesting health care for himself, but Carrie is not requesting health care. Tim is determined eligible for Medicaid. Four months later, Carrie decides that she would also like to apply for health care. Carrie does not need to submit a new application or new signature. She can contact the IM agency to request health care.

Note An application can be filed on behalf of a deceased person. If the application is filed within the same calendar month as the date of death or within the three months after the date of death, the application should be processed as if the applicant were alive. If the application is filed more than four months after the date of death, the application must be denied. This page last updated in Release Number: 26-02 Release Date: 04/15/2026 Effective Date: 04/15/2026 2.2 Application Methods Medicaid applicants have the choice of the following application methods: