What Is The Free Tablet With Medicaid Program
Medicaid is a comprehensive healthcare program funded jointly by the federal government and individual states, providing affordable or no-cost health coverage to millions of low-income Americans. It serves a diverse group, including individuals and families with limited income, expectant mothers, senior citizens, and those with disabilities. While the federal government sets the basic guidelines, each state operates its own Medicaid program, which may have unique names like ‘Medi-Cal’ or ‘Medical Assistance’ and tailored benefits to meet the specific needs of its residents.
Despite its primary focus on healthcare, the term ‘free tablet with Medicaid program’ is often associated with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP was designed to offer discounts on monthly internet services and connected devices, such as tablets, to eligible low-income households. Medicaid participants automatically qualified for the ACP, which is why the program is sometimes referred to in this context. However, the ACP program has recently expired, therefore getting a free tablet with Medicaid is no longer such a simple process. Luckily, there may be other ways to get a free tablet with Medicaid.
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 eligible for certain government assistance programs, such as Lifeline and the now-expired ACP. While ACP offered discounts on tablets and internet services, Lifeline providers offer discounts on phone and wireless services, phones, and sometimes other internet-connected devices. Moreover, former ACP providers may still offer tablets through Lifeline.
- People who participate in Medicaid may be eligible for other non-profit programs that offer free tablets and other benefits.
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 2024
While applying for a free tablet with Medicaid was especially straightforward while the ACP program was still active, acquiring a tablet through Medicaid should still be relatively simple. 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 provider or non-profit organization.
- Step 2: Find a Lifeline provider or non-profit in your state of residence that offers free tablets with Medicaid. The list of devices and other benefits Lifeline providers and non-profits 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 provider or non-profit 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-eligible or qualify for a non-profit program.
- 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 You 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.
7 Top Providers Who Provide Free Tablets With Medicaid in 2024
Lifeline providers continue to offer discounted monthly wireless services for eligible low-income customers. Some of these providers may also offer free or discounted smartphones and tablets. While the number of Lifeline providers offering free tablets is limited and subject to change, eligible Medicaid participants might still access these benefits depending on availability, state regulations, and other factors.
StandUp Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
StandUp Wireless offers a range of benefits under the Lifeline program, including potentially discounted tablets for eligible customers. Although the ACP program has ended, StandUp Wireless may still offer discounted tablets to eligible customers through other promotions.
StandUp Wireless offers a free monthly service and a free smartphone when you qualify. Depending on the state and other conditions, you may also still receive a discount on a tablet.
How to Qualify for StandUp Wireless free tablet
You must be a Lifeline-eligible participant, which often includes participation in Medicaid.
You are Lifeline-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, 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, and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
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 Lifeline eligibility:
- An official document verifying your identity, such as a passport, state ID, other government-issued ID, U.S. a 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 aged 18 and above and emancipated minors can participate in the Lifeline 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 benefits, 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 Lifeline-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 device.
QLink Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
QLink Wireless is another popular Lifeline and former ACP provider. QLink Wireless continues to provide Lifeline benefits, including free monthly wireless service. They may offer discounted tablets to eligible customers as part of their promotions.
Qualifying customers will also receive unlimited data, talk, and text.
How to Qualify for QLink Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
Eligibility is based on Lifeline criteria, which includes participation in Medicaid.
You can check out other Lifeline 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 Lifeline 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 Lifeline program and get the benefits, visit https://qlinkwireless.com/. 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 Lifeline 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 potentially send you a free device.
TruConnect free tablet with Medicaid
TruConnect offers Lifeline benefits and may provide discounted tablets to eligible customers. You can get unlimited monthly talk and text, high-speed data, international calling, a free smartphone or SIM card, and potentially, the opportunity to purchase a tablet with a considerable discount.
How to Qualify for TruConnect free tablet with Medicaid
To qualify for TruConnect’s benefits with Medicaid, you must be Lifeline-eligible. You are Lifeline eligible if you participate in the Medicaid program. However, there are also some other ways to be Lifeline-eligible.
You can check out other Lifeline 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 Lifeline 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 ‘Apply Now’. Then, follow the instructions and fill out the form by providing all the necessary information and required documentation, which will prove your Lifeline 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 or discounted device.
Easy Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
Easy Wireless offers Lifeline services and may offer discounted tablets to eligible customers in certain states, and depending on availability. Eligible customers can receive free unlimited data and hotspot, free unlimited talk and text, and a free smartphone.
How to Qualify for an Easy Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
To qualify for Easy Wireless’s free tablet with Medicaid, you must be Lifeline-eligible. You are Lifeline eligible if you participate in the Medicaid program. However, there are also some other ways to be Lifeline-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 Lifeline providers. As such, make sure to check out the required and acceptable list of documents in the StandUp Wireless section.
How to Apply for an Easy Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
To apply for Easy Wireless’s Lifeline 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 Lifeline 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 former 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, historically, an ACP discount on a tablet. Whether or not you can still receive a discounted tablet from any of these companies depends on many factors, including availability, state, plan, etc.
How to Qualify for AirTalk, Cintex, and NewPhone Wireless free tablet with Medicaid
To qualify for AirTalk, Cintex, or NewPhone Wireless benefits with Medicaid, you must be Lifeline-eligible. You are Lifeline eligible if you participate in the Medicaid program. However, there are also some other ways to be Lifeline-eligible.
You can check out other Lifeline 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 Lifeline 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 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 benefits, visit https://airtalkwireless.com/apply.
To sign up for Cintex’s ACP program and receive benefits, go to https://cintexwireless.com/.
To apply for NewPhone’s ACP program, 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 choose the one that offers the most benefits. 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 or discounted device.
Other Ways to Get a Free Tablet With or Without Medicaid
Getting a ‘free’ (actually, it was never completely free, eligible customers had to pay a one-time fee of between $10 and $50 to get the device) tablet was super simple while the ACP program was active. Now, that it expired due to the depletion of funds and the inability to raise new funds, getting a tablet for low-income people has gotten a bit trickier. Nevertheless, former ACP (current Lifeline) providers may still offer this option, depending on availability and other factors.
Aside from the government assistance program, there are lots of other ways for you to get a free or discounted tablet and your Medicaid participation is always an advantage.
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. As mentioned before, your Medicaid participation may automatically qualify you to receive help from a charity or non-profit organization.
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 that 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.
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 2024
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.
Other Benefits Will You Receive if You 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. Through such services, you can receive:
- 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
- Etc.
Free Tablet-Related FAQ
How Does the Free Tablet With Medicaid Program Work?
The free tablet with the 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 now-expired 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 (or were) 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 Lifeline eligible and eligible to participate in other non-profit organizations’ programs.
The Lifeline 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 services and devices. 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.
Can I Get a Free Tablet From the Government?
You can potentially get a free government tablet if you are Lifeline-eligible. Check out the eligibility criteria above. Of course, getting a discounted tablet via ACP was simpler, but the program has recently ended. There are also some other ways to get a free tablet.
Can I Get a Free Laptop From the Government?
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 Free Phone With Medicaid Program?
Yes, as participating in Medicaid makes you Lifeline-eligible and many Lifeline providers offer free phones, you can easily get a free government phone with Medicaid.
Does the ACP Program Offer Free Tablets?
Yes, numerous wireless providers that participated in ACP offered discounted tablets. However, the ACP program has ended due to the depletion of its allocated funds. The ACP, initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide essential internet services and devices to low-income households, received a fixed funding allocation from Congress. Despite efforts to secure additional funding, such as requests from the Biden administration and bipartisan support in Congress, no definitive results were achieved. Consequently, the program officially stopped accepting new applications on February 7, 2024, and the last fully funded month of ACP benefits was April 2024.
