When can I apply for Medicaid in Utah?

Can I apply for Medicaid at any time, or is there an open enrollment period?

One of the key differences between Medicaid and other health insurance programs, such as ACA Marketplace plans, is that Medicaid does not have an open enrollment period. This means you can apply for Medicaid at any time throughout the year if you meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to know about applying for Medicaid in Utah and how the timing of your application works.

1. No Open Enrollment Period for Medicaid

Unlike health insurance plans through the ACA Marketplace, which have specific open enrollment periods, Medicaid is available for application year-round. You do not have to wait for an enrollment window to open—if you qualify, you can apply immediately.

A. Apply Anytime

• You can submit your Medicaid application at any time during the year if you believe you meet the income, residency, and eligibility requirements for Medicaid in Utah.

• There are no deadlines or specific enrollment periods to worry about when applying for Medicaid.

B. Eligibility Determination

Once you apply, the Utah Medicaid office will review your application to determine if you are eligible based on your household income, residency, and other factors. If you qualify, you can begin receiving benefits as soon as your application is approved.

2. Special Enrollment Periods for Other Insurance Programs

While Medicaid does not have an open enrollment period, other healthcare programs such as the ACA Marketplace and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) do. If you apply for Medicaid and do not qualify due to income limits, you may be directed to apply for other health insurance programs like the ACA during open enrollment or via a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you’ve experienced a qualifying life event.

3. How to Apply for Medicaid at Any Time

Since you can apply for Medicaid year-round, here are the steps to submit your application whenever you are ready:

• Apply online: Visit medicaid.utah.gov or healthcare.gov to submit an application for Medicaid.

• Apply by mail or in person: You can also apply by mail or visit a Department of Workforce Services office in Utah to complete your application.

Make sure to submit the required documentation, such as proof of income, residency, and citizenship, to support your application.

4. What Happens After You Apply

Once you submit your Medicaid application, the processing time typically takes 30 days. During this time:

• The Medicaid office will review your information to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.

• You will receive a notification of approval or denial once the review is complete. If approved, your Medicaid coverage will begin immediately.

5. What to Do If Your Income Changes

If your household income changes during the year after you’ve already applied for Medicaid, you should report these changes to the Utah Medicaid office. A significant change in income could affect your eligibility, but you can reapply at any time if your circumstances change and you become eligible again.

Key Takeaways:

• There is no open enrollment period for Medicaid in Utah, meaning you can apply at any time during the year.

• You don’t have to wait for a specific window to apply—if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit your application right away.

• If your circumstances change, such as a change in income, you can reapply for Medicaid at any time.

For help with your Medicaid application or to check your eligibility, schedule an appointment with a Tsunami Advisor here: Schedule an Appointment.