Will Medicaid Cover My Abortion?
Medicaid coverage for abortion can be confusing, especially when laws and policies change. To make things easier, we created a guide.
Use this Abortion
& Medicaid Guide to:
- Find out if Medicaid covers abortion in your state.
- Check your eligibility for Medicaid.
- Get tips for applying when you want or need an abortion.
Which States Allow Medicaid to Cover Abortions?
Medicaid is healthcare provided in partnership by the U.S. federal government and state governments. The federal government sets the general rules for Medicaid and what healthcare must be provided. And states help provide Medicaid and can use their own money to offer more services (if they want). Because of an unjust federal law called the Hyde Amendment, Medicaid doesn’t always cover abortion unless states use their own money. But if you live in one of the 19 states listed below, Medicaid can help pay for the abortion you need *.
If your state is on the list, click its name.
Follow the link to your state’s Medicaid website and learn how to enroll. Before you apply, confirm your eligibility and check if Medicaid can help you. Visit Two Things to Know Before You Apply to Medicaid (next on this page) to learn more.
*The Hyde Amendment has exceptions for when Medicaid can cover abortion care nationwide (rape, incest, and when the pregnant person’s life is in danger). But it can still be hard to get Medicaid to cover abortion in those cases. And it can be tricky to find coverage even in the states listed above. Check with your state’s Medicaid office or a local community health center, and visit Applying to Medicaid When You Want an Abortion for other resources.
Two Things to Know Before You Apply to Medicaid
Check Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Medicaid uses these guidelines to determine eligibility. You will only qualify for coverage if your income is within your state’s limit. These guidelines are different in every state. In some cases, pregnant people may have a higher income limit.
Medicaid will not cover you if you travel out of state for your abortion.
Medicaid only covers your abortion if you live in the same state where your abortion takes place.
Applying to Medicaid When You Want an Abortion
Every state’s application process is different. Here are some general tips that can help no matter where you live.
This website has links to each state’s Medicaid website. You can find addresses, contact information, and eligibility requirements for your state.
When possible, visit a local Medicaid office to apply. Do this even if your state accepts applications by mail, online, or phone.
It’s best to get to your local enrollment office when it opens. Going early in the day can speed up the process.
You don’t need to tell them you plan to have an abortion.
Proof of identity is not the same as proof of citizenship. That means you’ll need more than a Driver’s License or State Identification Card.
Read this guide from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for other documents you can use to prove citizenship.
If you qualify for Medicaid, you have the right to enroll and receive coverage.
Understanding Hyde
The Hyde Amendment impacts many people in the United States. Learn how this federal law works and why NNAF and our allies want it repealed.
The Hyde Amendment: An FAQIf Medicaid isn’t an option
If Medicaid won’t cover abortion, abortion funds can still help. Visit Need and Abortion? for more information. Find the support you need.
Need an Abortion?