What Is The Free Tablet With Medicaid Program
Medicaid is a comprehensive healthcare program jointly funded by the federal government and individual states, offering affordable or no-cost health coverage to a significant number of Americans facing financial challenges in obtaining healthcare. It serves as a vital support system for eligible individuals and families with limited income, expectant mothers, senior citizens, and those with disabilities. While the federal government establishes overarching guidelines for Medicaid, each state operates its own program, which may have distinct names like ‘Medi-Cal’ or ‘Medical Assistance’. These state-specific Medicaid programs provide a range of benefits tailored to the needs of their residents.
While Medicaid is a government program covering healthcare, the ‘free tablet with Medicaid program’ is actually a phrase that refers to the Affordable Connectivity Program – a government assistance program that offers discounts on monthly internet services and connected devices, such as tablets. You may be wondering why ACP is sometimes referred to as a free tablet with Medicaid program. Well, it’s because it offers free (discounted) tablets to Medicaid subscribers due to the fact that Medicaid participants automatically qualify for ACP.
To find out how to get a free tablet with Medicaid, read the following sections.
Is It Possible to Get a Free Tablet With Medicaid?
To answer this question, it is vital to know the following facts.
- People who participate in Medicaid (or some other government assistance programs) are Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program-eligible.
- Lifeline is FCC’s program designed to help make communications services more affordable for low-income households.
Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP, on the other hand, was launched during the pandemic as the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), a temporary program designed to help households struggling to afford internet service. As discounts on monthly internet services turned out to be vital and incredibly beneficial during the pandemic, the government has decided to extend and modify the program, naming it the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
- Certain Lifeline and/or ACP providers offer tablets to eligible customers.
As such, the answer is yes – it is possible to get a free tablet with Medicaid.
Steps to Apply for a Free Tablet With Medicaid in 2023
Applying for a free tablet with Medicaid is easy. All you have to do is to follow the simple steps below:
- Step 1: Apply for Medicaid. Only after you start participating in the Medicaid program can you apply for a free government tablet at a Lifeline or ACP provider.
- Step 2: Find a Lifeline or ACP provider in your state of residence that offers free tablets with Medicaid. The list of devices and other benefits Lifeline and ACP providers offer tends to change quickly, however, to see which providers currently offer free tablets, check out the following section.
- Step 3: After finding a Lifeline or ACP provider that offers free tablets with Medicaid, you should visit their website and apply online. To fill out the application form, you will have to provide personal information as well as proof that you participate in Medicaid and are therefore Lifeline and/or ACP-eligible.
- Step 4: In case your application gets approved, the provider will either send you the device or a voucher, which you can redeem for a free tablet. If you get a voucher, you will also receive information about where exactly you can redeem it.
- Step 5: Once you receive the free tablet, you can register it with your provider. You will have to choose an eligible plan and once all the paperwork is done, you can go ahead and use your free tablet with Medicaid.
How Do I Qualify Medicaid Program
To qualify for the Medicaid program, you must meet the Medicaid eligibility criteria.
Eligibility criteria vary by state, however, applicants must generally meet all of the following:
- They must be a resident of the state in which they are applying
- Their financial situation is characterized as low-income or very low-income
- They must be a citizen of the United States or a qualified non-citizen (for example, a lawful permanent resident)
To find the exact eligibility criteria for your state, visit your state Medicaid page. There, you will also be able to find additional options for coverage and limitations on age, pregnancy, and parenting status.
Find out if you qualify for Medicaid by filling out the online form at benefits.gov/benefit/606#Eligibility_Checker.
To qualify for the Medicaid program, you will also be required to provide certain documents proving your eligibility.
- If you have a low income, you will have to prove it with an official document that shows it, such as your tax documents and income payslips. Your income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level in order to be Medicaid-eligible.
- If you are disabled, simply visit a Medicaid office near you or apply through a simple online application form. You will have to provide documents proving your disability.
- Children can either get Medicaid through their parents or on their own. Children can enroll in the office or online (parents should help with the application). They must provide age proof and documents proving your eligibility.
- Seniors after 55 also qualify for Medicaid services. To do so they must prove their age either online or by visiting the Medicaid office.
How to Apply for Medicaid Services
It is possible to apply for Medicaid through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly with your state Medicaid agency. To apply through the Marketplace, visit healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip, create a Marketplace account and complete the application.
The entire application process is described below:
- Step 1: Check eligibility. If you think you may be eligible based on your income, age, the number of people in your household, disability, or pregnancy, you can check your eligibility to know for sure by contacting the nearest Medicaid office or via email and social media channels.
- Step 2: Contact a Medicaid office to make sure you are eligible and to discuss any further steps- You can contact Medicaid by phone at (800) 362-1504, via email at [email protected], or by visiting the nearest office.
- Step 3: Fill out the application form. To do so, you must first create a healthcare account online. Visit the link above and follow the on-screen instructions. After signing up, you will be redirected to a page that will require you to provide additional information and perhaps documentation based on your eligibility criteria. Completing the entire application process may take approximately 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Get approved. After submitting the application, it may take two business days to get any feedback. You will receive a confirmation email and if you are approved, you will be able to collect your Medicaid card at the nearest office or receive it by mail to your address.
How Does the Free Tablet With Medicaid Program Work?
The free tablet with Medicaid program works like this:
The government provides low-income citizens with healthcare services. However, as healthcare services aren’t the only thing low-income people struggle to afford, the government has also created many other assistance programs, including SNAP (a program that offers free food), Lifeline (a program that offers free phones and phone services), and the newest Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which was launched during the pandemic when the need for a stable internet connection and a device that enables people to access the internet became more obvious than ever.
Most of these assistance programs are only available for households with a low annual income (although the income threshold varies by the program, state, and household size). As participation in another government assistance program is considered proof that a household has financial issues, participation in a qualifying program is one of the eligibility criteria for many assistance programs. As it happens, participating in Medicaid (as well as some other programs) automatically makes you ACP-eligible.
The ACP program is funded by the government, managed by the FCC, and offered by numerous participating wireless companies that receive government funds and use them to provide customers with free monthly internet services and a free (discounted) tablet. To enroll, you must first make sure that you qualify for the program, be able to provide proof, and apply through a company. If approved, the wireless company you choose will provide you with a free/discounted tablet and other benefits.
7 Top Providers Who Provide Free Tablets With Medicaid in 2023
Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) providers all offer discounted monthly wireless services for eligible low-income customers. In addition, some of these providers also offer free smartphones and perhaps even free tablets.
However, the number of Lifeline and ACP providers who offer free tablets is very limited. Additionally, the providers constantly change and update their offers, as such, a Lifeline/ACP provider that used to offer free tablets with Medicaid now doesn’t anymore, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to stay up to date with Lifeline and ACP providers’ offers. A while ago certain popular Lifeline and ACP providers, such as Assurance Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, and TracFone Wireless used to offer free tablets with Medicaid. Currently, however, only the following Lifeline and ACP providers offer free tablets. In this section, you will find out how to qualify and apply for a free tablet from the Lifeline/ACP providers that offer free tablets.
StandUp Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
StandUp Wireless is a proud Affordable Connectivity Program provider, and through its ACP program, the provider enables eligible participants to claim a one-time discount of up to $100 on certain devices. Due to FCC regulations, they have to charge at least $10.01 for the device.
StandUp Wireless offers eligible participants 8-inch tablets that work on Wi-Fi and StandUp’s mobile network, however, are not enabled to make or receive calls or text messages unless you use a Wi-Fi-enabled app, such as WhatsApp or TextNow.
StandUp Wireless also offers eligible customers a free monthly service that includes unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of data.
How to Qualify for StandUp Wireless free tablet
To qualify for StandUp’s free tablet with Medicaid, you must be ACP-eligible. You are ACP-eligible if you participate in the Medicaid program. However, there are also some other ways to be ACP-eligible.
You are ACP-eligible if one (or more) of the following statements is true for you:
- You have an annual household income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- You or any of your household members participate in certain government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, Lifeline, etc.
- You or any of your household members have experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
- You or any of your household members have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- You or any of your household members have been approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year.
Documents Needed for StandUp Wireless free tablet
If you are applying based on your participation in Medicaid, providing an official document proving your participation in the program should suffice. However, if you qualify based on another eligibility criteria, you may be asked to provide any of the following documents that prove your ACP eligibility:
- An official document verifying your identity, such as a passport, state ID, other government-issued ID, U.S. Driver’s License, U.S. Military ID, etc.
- An official document showing your address, such as Driver’s license, state ID, Tribal ID, or another government-issued ID, utility bill, etc.
- An official document proving your household income, such as a prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub, a Social Security statement of benefits, etc.
- An official document proving your qualifying assistance program participation, such as an approval letter, benefit award letter, statement of benefits, and benefit verification letter.
As only people of age 18 and above and emancipated minors can participate in the ACP program, you must also prove your age or your emancipated minor status by providing a certificate or a court document.
Also, make sure to only provide copies of the documents instead of the original ones.
How to Apply for StandUp Wireless free tablet
To apply for StandUp’s free tablet, visit standupwireless.com/apply-now. Enter your ZIP code and email address and press ‘Begin Application’. Then, follow the on-screen prompts, and provide the necessary information and the documentation proving that you are in fact ACP-eligible.
After submitting your application, you will also have to select an eligible plan.
Once your application has been approved, StandUp Wireless will apply your monthly discount to your bill and send you a separate email to order your free tablet.
QLink Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
QLink Wireless is another popular Lifeline and ACP tablet provider. Their ACP-eligible customers can apply to receive a one-time, non-transferable device discount for a new tablet. As the FCC requires, you will have to pay $10.01 for the tablet, which they will invoice you after the application of the ACP device discount.
As ACP is a government assistance program, this is a limited-time offer, subject to product availability.
Qualifying customers will also receive unlimited data, talk, and text.
How to Qualify for QLink Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
To qualify for QLink’s free tablet with Medicaid, you must be ACP-eligible. You are ACP-eligible if you participate in the Medicaid program. However, there are also some other ways to be ACP-eligible.
You can check out other ACP eligibility criteria in the previous (StandUp Wireless) section.
Documents Needed for QLink Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
If you are applying based on your participation in Medicaid, providing an official document proving your participation in the program should suffice. However, if you qualify based on another eligibility criteria, you may be asked to provide any other document that verifies your identity and proves your ACP eligibility. See the full list of the documents that you may be required to provide in the previous (StandUp Wireless) section.
How to Apply for QLink Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
To apply for QLink’s ACP program and the free tablet, visit qlinkwireless.com/signup/g-6-717. Enter your ZIP code and email address and press ‘Get It Now’. Then, follow the instructions and fill out the form by providing all the necessary information and required documentation, which will prove your ACP eligibility.
After submitting your application, you will also be required to select an eligible plan.
Once your application has been approved, QLink Wireless will apply your monthly discount to your bill and send you your free tablet.
TruConnect free tablet with Medicaid
TruConnect is a wireless company that offers both Lifeline and ACP benefits to eligible customers. Customers who qualify can receive a free monthly wireless internet service with up to 14GB of monthly data, unlimited talk, unlimited text, and free international calling to select countries. Customers can also receive a TruConnect free Android phone or Wi-Fi hotspot device and even a discounted tablet, which is only available for ACP-eligible customers.
ACP subscribers can purchase an 8-inch LTE Android tablet for only $10.01 with a $100 discount. The company does not disclose exactly which tablet models are available, as it depends on the location and availability, however, one tablet model that tends to be available is the Sunshine Elite Tablet.
This is a limited-time offer, subject to product availability.
How to Qualify for TruConnect free tablet with Medicaid
To qualify for TruConnect’s free tablet with Medicaid, you must be ACP-eligible. You are ACP-eligible if you participate in the Medicaid program. However, there are also some other ways to be ACP-eligible.
You can check out other ACP eligibility criteria in the StandUp Wireless section.
Documents Needed for TruConnect free tablet with Medicaid
If you are applying based on your participation in Medicaid, providing an official document proving your participation in the program should suffice. However, if you qualify based on another eligibility criteria, you may be asked to provide any other document that verifies your identity and proves your ACP eligibility. See the full list of the documents that you may be required to provide in the StandUp Wireless section.
How to Apply for TruConnect free tablet with Medicaid
To apply for TruConnect’s ACP program and the free tablet, visit https://www.truconnect.com/. Enter your ZIP code and email address and press ‘Enroll Now’. Then, follow the instructions and fill out the form by providing all the necessary information and required documentation, which will prove your ACP eligibility.
After submitting your application, you will also be required to select an eligible plan.
Once your application has been approved, TruConnect will apply your monthly discount to your bill and send you your free tablet.
Easy Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
Easy Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP provider that offers free government phone services for eligible households. The service benefits include free unlimited data and hotspot, free unlimited talk and text, and a free smartphone. Other perks of getting a free Easy Wireless plan include a free SIM card kit and activation, free access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots, free emergency services calls, a free voicemail, and an 8-inch tablet valued at $120 for only $10.99.
This is a limited-time offer, subject to product availability. The offer varies by state.
How to Qualify for Easy Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
To qualify for Easy Wireless’s free tablet with Medicaid, you must be ACP-eligible. You are ACP-eligible if you participate in the Medicaid program. However, there are also some other ways to be ACP-eligible.
You can check out other ACP eligibility criteria in the StandUp Wireless section.
Documents Needed for Easy Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
Easy Wireless will require you to provide the same proof documentation as all other ACP providers. As such, make sure to check out the required and acceptable list of documents in the StandUp Wireless section.
How to Apply for Easy Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
To apply for Easy Wireless’s ACP program and the free tablet, visit https://myeasywireless.com/. Enter your ZIP code and email address and press ‘Enroll Now’. Then, follow the instructions and fill out the form by providing all the necessary information and required documentation, which will prove your ACP eligibility.
After submitting your application, you will also be required to select an eligible plan.
Once your application has been approved, Easy Wireless will apply your monthly discount to your bill and send you your free tablet.
AirTalk, Cintex, and NewPhone Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
AirTalk Wireless, Cintex Wireless, and NewPhone Wireless are all affiliate companies owned by HTH Communications. We will cover their offers in a joint section because their offers are basically the same, and so are their websites and application processes. The main difference between these three Lifeline and ACP providers is where exactly they offer their services.
All of these companies offer a government assistance program that offers a free unlimited plan that includes free high-speed data, talk, and text, a free smartphone, and an ACP discount on a tablet. The tablet can be purchased at $10.01 (or more, depending on the model), and sometimes these companies will not only reveal the tablet brand and model in advance, but they may even allow you to choose the device that best fits your needs. Tablet models that are currently offered by some of these companies include:
- Apple iPad Mini
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
- Alcatel Joy Tab 2
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E
- Samsung Tab A7 Lite
- Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus
- Apple iPad 3
- KonnectONE Moxee Tablet
- Apple iPad 4
- And other slightly pricier models
This is a limited-time offer, subject to product availability. The offer varies by state and provider.
How to Qualify for AirTalk, Cintex, and NewPhone Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
To qualify for an AirTalk, Cintex, or NewPhone Wireless free tablet with Medicaid, you must be ACP-eligible. You are ACP-eligible if you participate in the Medicaid program. However, there are also some other ways to be ACP-eligible.
You can check out other ACP eligibility criteria in the StandUp Wireless section.
Documents Needed for AirTalk, Cintex, and NewPhone Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
AirTalk, Cintex, and NewPhone Wireless will require you to provide the same proof documentation as all other ACP providers. As such, make sure to check out the required and acceptable list of documents in the StandUp Wireless section.
Note: Only one person per eligible household can apply for any provider’s program and a household can only receive Lifeline and ACP benefits from one provider at a time.
How to Apply for AirTalk, Cintex, and NewPhone Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
To enroll for AirTalk’s free ACP tablet, visit https://cintexwireless.com/.
To sign up for Cintex’s ACP program and receive a free tablet, go to https://cintexwireless.com/.
To apply for NewPhone’s ACP program and the free tablet, visit https://newphone.com/.
Press ‘Apply Now’ and enter your ZIP code on the following page. If the company offers its services in your area, you will be redirected to your state’s offer. Review the available plans and if possible, choose the Lifeline + ACP combo plan, which offers the most value. Luckily, being a Medicaid subscriber automatically qualifies you for both Lifeline and ACP. Once you choose the plan, complete the online application form by providing all the necessary information and proof documentation.
Once your application has been approved, the provider will apply your monthly discount to your bill and send you your free tablet.
The Process of Getting a Free Tablet Other Than Using Medicaid
Aside from using Medicaid, there are lots of other ways for you to get a free tablet.
Lifeline and ACP program
The best way to get a free tablet is through the Lifeline and/or ACP assistance program. As mentioned before, participating in Medicaid will give you Lifeline and ACP eligibility. However, there are many other ways to be Lifeline or ACP-eligible.
You can also be ACP-eligible based on:
- Your annual household income. It must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Your participation in certain government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Tribal Head Start, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and Lifeline.
- If you or any of your household members have experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
- If you or any of your household members have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- If you or any of your household members have been approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year.
Charities and Non-profit Organizations
Low-income families and individuals may also get a free tablet through a charity or non-profit organization, such as The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army is a non-profit organization that provides people in need with basic services. They provide clothes, food, furniture, as well as other necessities. They also provide electronic devices, such as tablets. To find out more and to check whether or not you can get a free tablet from them, check out their official website or contact them. After reviewing your financial situation, they may invite you to complete the procedure to get a free tablet.
Companies thats offer Free Tablet
There are several companies that offer free tablets to low-income people. These companies include:
- Accelerated Schools Program
- Adaptive.Org
- Causes
- Computer Technology Assistance Corps
- Computers For Learning
- Cty.Org
- Everyoneon
- Komputers 4 Kids
- Microsoft Registered Refurbished
- On It Foundation
- Smartriverside
- Technology Assisting People In Need
- World Computer Exchange
Contact them to check if you can get a free tablet from them.
Public Libraries
Public libraries may not hand out free tablets, however, if you wish to simply use a tablet or a computer, public libraries tend to have both. They also offer internet access and book access.
Local Church
Churches receive all kinds of donations. If you are a person in need, you may check with your local church if they offer any free tablets.
Search Online
Certain websites, such as Craigslist and Freecycle offer second-hand items that are either very cheap or even free of charge. You may also find second-hand items on Reddit and social media. In addition, lots of shops and businesses offer buyback programs where you can find used and/or refurbished tablets and other electronic devices.
Schools
Certain schools also tend to offer used electronics, especially tablets, laptops, and computers to students in need. After all, nowadays, students are required to study online resources, submit papers electronically, etc.
Carrier and Retail Discounts
Large carriers and MVNOs often offer promotional discounts on tablets. However, all of these deals are limited-time and mostly focused on periods around holidays. Large retail companies tend to do the same. Check out their special deals online and once you find a discounted or even free tablet, make sure to grab the deal as soon as possible, while it is still available. Also, make sure to check the fine print, as certain conditions may apply (for example, you may be required to switch to the carrier’s services, add a plan, buy another item at full price, etc.).
Online giveaways
There are tons of giveaway programs available online. Depending on the giveaway, you may receive a free tablet, phone, or another valuable item. However, make sure to avoid scams, which are not that uncommon.
Other online options You could also receive a free tablet by becoming a marketing manager or reviewer, participating in Amazon Vine, through online surveys, etc. Search the options online.
Benefits of Having a Free Tablet With Medicaid in 2023
Nowadays, having a tablet or a similar electronic device offers many benefits, including:
- Tablets provide access to information and online education.
- Tablets provide a way to access virtual classrooms, read books, do assignments, watch educational videos, etc.
- Tablets enable you to stay connected to work and/or to seek out better job opportunities.
- Tablets enable you to communicate with your family and friends. They provide access to news, social media, and other communication tools, which you may need for private or professional projects.
- Tablets come with a large variety of tools and apps and a large display, which enables you to use them more easily than on smartphones.
- Tablets provide internet access and offer countless entertainment options, such as games, music, videos, etc.
What Other Benefits Will I Receive if I Qualify For the Medicaid Program?
The only benefits that you can get directly from Medicaid are medical services, such as physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, and home health services. However, through your participation in Medicaid you also automatically qualify for numerous other government assistance services, such as Lifeline and ACP. Through these services you can receive: Nowadays, having a tablet or a similar electronic device offers many benefits, including:
- Free or discounted monthly phone, wireless, or internet services
- Free monthly talk minutes, text messages, international calls, and data
- Free smartphones
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots
- Discounted tablets
- Discounted laptops
- Discounted desktop computers
- Etc.
Free Tablet Related FAQ
Can I Get a Government Free Tablet?
You can get a free government tablet if you are Lifeline or EBB-eligible. Check out the eligibility criteria in the ‘Can I Get a Free Tablet Another Way – Other Than Using Medicaid?’ section. There are also some other ways to get a free tablet.
Can I Get a Government Free Laptop?
There are several ways to get a free laptop if you are a person in need. You can get it through a government free grant, a charity, a non-profit organization, a company, a church, etc.
Can I Get a Government Free Phone With Medicaid Program?
Yes, as participating in Medicaid makes you Lifeline and EBB-eligible and many Lifeline and EBB providers offer free phones, you can easily get a free government phone with Medicaid.
Does ACP Program Offer Free Tablets?
Yes, certain ACP providers offer free tablets to eligible customers. Read more in the ‘Best Providers Who Provide Free Tablets With Medicaid’ section. However, as mentioned before, the ACP ‘free’ tablets are not in fact completely free of charge. According to the government rules, the customer must pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50.
