DC State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in District of Columbia. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Medicare and health costs
DC Medicaid in District of Columbia
DC Medicaid covers people 65 and older under its aged, blind and disabled group and can pay health costs Medicare doesn't.
You may qualify with income up to the poverty level and savings under $4,000 for one person, which is higher than many states allow. Your home, a car, furnishings, clothing and jewelry don't count toward that limit.
How to apply in District of Columbia
- By phone
- 202-727-5355
- In person
- At a DC Department of Human Services Service Center, where you can drop off or pick up an application.
- By mail
- Fax the Integrated Application for Public Assistance Benefits to 202-671-4400, or drop it off at a Service Center.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in District of Columbia
| One person | Married couple | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit (2026) | $1,330 a month (100% of the poverty level) | $1,804 a month (100% of the poverty level) |
| Savings limit, one person | $4,000 |
|---|---|
| Spend-down if your income is over the limit | Yes: DC has a medically needy (spend-down) path for older adults whose income is over the limit Source: KFF (source 3) |
| Medicaid for adults under 65 (expansion) | Yes: DC expanded Medicaid to low-income adults under 65 Source: KFF (source 4) |
How District of Columbia is different
Where District of Columbia's rules differ from the federal rules for Medicaid for people with Medicare.
- Higher income limit: 100% of the poverty level
- Higher savings limit: $4,000 for one person
Good to know
- Your primary home, a car, home furnishings, clothing and jewelry are not counted toward the $4,000 savings limit.
- If you are blind or disabled rather than 65 or older, you need a disability decision from Social Security or an evaluation by a doctor.
Free help
Free help with this in District of Columbia
Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in District of Columbia
Medicaid for older adults in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- DC Department of Health Care Finance, Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Individuals (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- DC Department of Human Services, Public Benefits (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- KFF, Medicaid Eligibility Levels for Older Adults and People with Disabilities (Non-MAGI) in 2026. Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- KFF, Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions. Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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