What is the Medicaid Program?
Medicaid is a publicly-funded health insurance program that offers no-cost or low-cost health coverage to qualified low-income individuals and families such as children, pregnant women, seniors, and those with disabilities. The program is financed by both the federal and state governments, with each state running its own Medicaid program within specific federal regulations. Medicaid includes various medical services such as doctor appointments, hospital care, prescription medications, and extended care. The conditions for eligibility and covered services differ from state to state.
Can I Get Free Internet With Medicaid?
Now that you know what the Medicaid program is and offers, you may be thinking ‘What the heck does Medicaid have to do with free internet?’. Well, directly, not much. Medicaid certainly doesn’t offer free internet services to its subscribers, as it only covers medical services.
Nevertheless, people who participate in Medicaid automatically qualify for numerous other government assistance programs, including the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers discounts of up to $30 on non-Tribal lands and $75 on Tribal lands on monthly internet services and even one-time discounts of up to $100 to purchase an internet-connected device (tablet, laptop, or desktop computer).
As such, you can get free internet with Medicaid, however, indirectly – through the ACP program.
What is the Process of Getting Free Internet With Medicaid
To get free internet with Medicaid, you must follow these simple steps:
- You must be a Medicaid subscriber. If you aren’t yet, you can find out how to become one in the following section.
- You must then apply for the ACP and become an ACP subscriber. Learn how to do so below.
- You can then find an ACP provider that offers free internet with Medicaid. See how below.
- Next, you can apply the ACP provider’s services to get free internet with Medicaid.
- Finally, you can enjoy all the benefits that come with being a Medicaid and ACP subscriber. You can see a list of benefits in one of the following sections.
How to Become a Medicaid Subscriber
To become a Medicaid subscriber, you will need to follow these general steps:
- Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid in your state. Eligibility requirements can vary by state, but generally, Medicaid is available to low-income individuals and families, including pregnant women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. The applicant must be a resident of the state where they are applying and a citizen of the US or a qualified non-citizen (e.g. a lawful permanent resident). You can see the detailed requirements in your state at medicaid.gov.
- Apply for Medicaid in your state. You can apply online, by phone at (800)362-1504, via email at [email protected], by mail, or in person by visiting the nearest office. You can also apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip. You will need to provide information about your income, assets, household size, and other factors that may affect your eligibility.
- Provide any necessary documentation to support your application, such as proof of income, disability, age, citizenship, or residency. Acceptable documents are copies of valid official documents that include all the vital information.
- Wait for a decision on your application. Medicaid agencies have specific timelines for making eligibility determinations, which can vary by state. If your application is approved, you will receive information about your coverage and how to access medical services.
- This step is not necessary if all you wish to do with your Medicaid subscription is to apply for ACP. However, you should also take advantages of the direct Medicaid benefits. To do so, choose a healthcare provider who accepts Medicaid. Medicaid covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and long-term care. You will need to choose a healthcare provider who accepts Medicaid and present your Medicaid card at each visit to receive services.
How to Become an Affordable Connectivity Program Subscriber
How to Become an ACP Subscriber Through Medicaid
- As soon as your Medicaid application gets approved, you will automatically qualify for ACP.
- Make sure to save you Medicaid approval letter, benefit award letter, benefit verification letter, or statement of benefits, as you may need to provide a copy of one of those documents during the application process to prove your eligibility.
- Apply for ACP through the National Verifier. You can apply online at nv.fcc.gov/lifeline?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply by providing all the required information and proof documentation. This way, you may receive immediate approval. Alternatively, you can apply via mail by printing out an application at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf and a Household Worksheet at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf, filling out the forms, adding physical copies of your proof documentation, and sending the package to ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773. This way, it may take longer to get the approval, however, when your application gets approved, you will be notified immediately.
Alternative Ways to Become an ACP Subscriber
In case you are not a Medicaid subscriber, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t apply for ACP and get free internet, as there are some other ways to become an ACP subscriber.
- You can also qualify for ACP if you participate in Lifeline, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, or a Tribal-specific program, if your household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year, or if your annual household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- If you qualify based on your participation in another government assistance program, you may be required to prove your eligibility by providing copies of valid official documents that verify your participation (such as an approval letter, benefit award letter, benefit verification letter, or statement of benefits). If you qualify based on your income, you may need to prove your eligibility by providing copies of valid official documents that verify your low income (such as a current income statement from your employer, paycheck stubs, prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, a Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, a retirement/pension statement of benefits, a divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income).
- Finally, apply for ACP. You can do so online or via mail through the National Verifier by following the instructions in the third step above. When approved, you will be notified immediately.
How to Find a Provider That Offers Free Internet With Medicaid
After your ACP application gets approved, you can proceed to find a provider that offers free internet with Medicaid in your area. To do so, follow these simple steps:
- Go to cnm.universalservice.org.
- Enter your location.
- Choose the ACP program.
- Press Search.
- The system will generate a list of all the ACP providers in your area. The list will also include information about what kind of internet services you can get from each provider, the providers’ website links and contact information.
- You can decide which company best fits your needs by visiting their websites and comparing their offers or by comparing the generated list with the list of the best ACP providers in the next section.
Which Are the Best Providers That Offer Free Internet With Medicaid
Altice Advantage Internet (Optimum and Suddenlink)
Altice Advantage Internet, available through Optimum and Suddenlink, is a wireless service provider and a proud participant in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible households can receive a discount of up to $30 a month ($75 for households on Tribal lands) on broadband internet service through the ACP program. To apply, you must meet the ACP eligibility criteria and be a resident in one of the states where Optimum or Suddenlink offer their services.
To apply, visit the Optimum ACP website at optimum.com/ACP or the Suddenlink ACP website at suddenlink.com/affordable-connectivity-program and follow the on-screen instructions to complete and submit the online application form provided by the respective provider.
Access from AT&T
Access from AT&T offers low-cost internet service to eligible households through its Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible participants can receive up to 10 Mbps internet service for $5 to $10 a month, which includes an in-home Wi-Fi modem and access to over 30,000 AT&T nationwide hotspots. To qualify, households must have at least one member who participates in Medicaid, lives in AT&T’s 21-state area where wireline home internet service is provided, and doesn’t have any outstanding debt for AT&T fixed internet service within the last 6 months.
To apply, interested individuals must first get approved for the Affordable Connectivity Program by the National Verifier. Afterward, applicants can call the company at 855.220.5211 to order the service, and should have their application ID at hand.
Cox Connect2Compete
Cox Connect2Compete provides affordable internet with a speed of up to 15 Mbps for $9.95 per month, along with a free Wi-Fi modem. Eligible households must have at least one K-12 student, a participant in Medicaid or another assistance program. Cox also offers the Cox Internet Starter 10 plan with speeds of up to 10 Mbps. The first month is free, and afterward, it costs $19.99 a month.
To apply for the program, visit cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html. First, check your eligibility, then begin the application process, and finally, get connected. You can also call (855) 222-3252 to apply or learn more about the program.
EveryoneOn
The non-profit organization called EveryoneOn provides affordable internet services and low-cost computers for low-income customers, along with free digital skills training. The company is also an ACP provider and offers home internet plans priced between $10 and $20 per month. Its Connect2Compete program offers discounted services for households that participate in various programs such as Medicaid.
To apply and find low-cost offers, visit their website at everyoneon.org/find-offers, enter your ZIP code, and click on the ‘Find Internet and Computer Offers’ button.
Internet First
Internet First is an internet service provider that offers affordable internet access for qualifying low-income households. The company offers internet service up to 50 Mbps at a price of $9.95 per month and the first 60 days are free. To qualify for the service, you must reside in one of the 11 states where the company offers services and participate in a public assistance program (such as Medicaid). Additionally, you must not have subscribed to the company’s services within the 60-day period immediately before applying for the program.
You can either apply online at internetfirst.com/apply or by mail.
PCs for People
The non-profit organization, PCs for People, provides low-cost computers and affordable internet services to families in need. They offer a discount of up to $11.25 per month to eligible applicants, which includes those with an annual income below the 200% poverty level or those currently enrolled in income-based government assistance programs such as Medicaid.
To apply for the program, visit pcsforpeople.org/low-cost-internet, choose the option that fits your needs, and fill out the online application form.
Verizon
Verizon provides a discount on its internet services. Verizon provides a $20 discount on its Verizon Fios internet plans, plus a Lifeline discount of $9.25, enabling customers to avail themselves of a 200 Mbps internet plan for $19.99 a month. To be eligible, customers must have a low income or participate in an assistance program.
To apply, customers should go to verizon.com/info/low-income-internet and click on ‘Apply Here,’ after which they will need to fill out the application form.
Xfinity Internet Essentials from Comcast
The Xfinity Internet Essentials program from Comcast offers internet service of up to 15 Mbps with no data caps for $9.95 a month, and in-home Wi-Fi is included. Additionally, you can purchase a low-cost computer for $149.99 plus tax. To qualify, you or a family member must be eligible for Affordable Connectivity Program.
You can apply by visiting the Internet Essentials website at internetessentials.com and filling out the online application form.
How to Apply for Free Internet With Medicaid Through an ACP Provider
To get free internet with Medicaid, you must apply for it through an ACP provider. You can find the best ACP provider by following the instructions in the last two sections. Once you have found your best provider, apply for its services by following these simple steps:
- Visit the provider’s official website.
- Find its ACP application form.
- Fill out the form by providing all the required information and documentation copies. When applying online, these copies should be digital. You can make them with a scanner, camera, or smartphone. Just make sure they are not dark or blurry.
- Submit the application form and the company will shortly review it. If approved, you will be notified immediately.
What Are Other Benefits That I Can Get With Medicaid
In addition to medical services and free internet, which you can get indirectly through the ACP program, you may also be able to get a highly discounted internet-connected device with Medicaid through ACP. Many ACP companies offer tablets for only $10.01 or a similarly low price.
Moreover, as a Medicaid subscriber, you can apply for the Lifeline program and through this program, you can get discounted or free phone, wireless, or internet services, as well as a discounted or free cell phone.
Medicaid subscribers may also be eligible to apply for another government assistance program or get certain benefits through a charity or non-profit organization.
How Else Can I Get Free Internet Without Medicaid
In case you are unable to become a Medicaid subscriber, there are still many other ways to get free internet, including:
- You can get free internet through ACP with other eligibility criteria listed above.
- You can get free internet through a generous provider’s own assistance program. Internet companies that offer such programs include Altice Advantage Internet (Optimum and Suddenlink), Mediacom Connect2Compete, and Spectrum Internet Assist.
- By installing a Wi-Fi antenna in your home.
- By getting a satellite dish.
- Through low-cost internet providers, such as FreedomPop and NetZero.
- By setting up a community mesh network.
- By accessing public internet.
- By accessing free school district internet for students.