Alaska Medicaid Application Guide: How to Apply for Healthcare Coverage

Medicaid provides medical coverage to low-income Alaskans. Eligible groups include low-income children, pregnant women, families, adults without dependent children between the ages of 19 and 64, the elderly, blind, and the permanently disabled. Alaska expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in September 2015, providing coverage to adults with family income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. More than 231,000 people were covered by Alaska Medicaid/CHIP as of January 2026.

To qualify for Alaska Medicaid, children up to age 18 must have family income up to 208% of FPL, pregnant women must have family income up to 230% of FPL, and adults under 65 must have family income up to 138% of FPL. Aged, blind or disabled individuals who qualify for Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA) also qualify for Medicaid and are subject to both asset and income limits.

The recommended way to apply for Medicaid in Alaska is online through Healthcare.gov or my.alaska.gov (ARIES-Public Assistance portal). You can also complete a paper application and submit it by mail or fax to a local office. Alaska uses a single application form for several programs; not all sections are required for Medicaid. An interview is required before eligibility can be determined, which can be scheduled at a Public Assistance office or with a local Fee Agent.

Alaska Medicaid covers essential health services including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, preventive care, mental health services, and long-term care. Many Medicare beneficiaries receive help through Medicaid with the cost of Medicare premiums, prescription drug expenses, and costs not covered by Medicare such as long-term care. Applications for regular Medicaid typically take up to 30 days to process, while disability-related applications may take up to 90 days.