Find Out If You Qualify for Free or Low-Cost Health Coverage
Millions of people who could qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a $0-premium ACA plan never check because they assume they earn too much or the process is too complicated. Zero Gap Health helps you find out where you stand - based on your income, household size, and state - so you can see your real options before you decide anything. There is no cost to check your eligibility.
How Medicaid Eligibility Works
Medicaid eligibility is based mainly on your household income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), plus your household size and the state you live in. Because each state sets its own rules within federal guidelines, two households with the same income can qualify differently depending on where they live.
Income and Household Size
Most states use a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level to set the income cutoff for Medicaid. Your household size changes that number - a single adult and a family of four have very different income limits. We walk through both with you before you apply anywhere.
Medicaid Expansion States
In states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, adults with income up to 138% of the FPL generally qualify, regardless of whether they have children. In non-expansion states, the rules are narrower, and a $0-premium ACA plan may be the better fit. We help you understand which situation applies to you.
What Is CHIP and Who Qualifies?
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but who still need affordable coverage. CHIP income limits are higher than Medicaid's and vary by state. Coverage typically includes checkups, immunizations, dental, vision, and hospital care for kids, often for a low or no monthly cost.
How $0-Premium ACA Plans Work
If your income is too high for Medicaid, you may still qualify for an ACA Marketplace plan with premium tax credits that bring your monthly cost down to $0. These subsidies are based on your income relative to the Federal Poverty Level and adjust automatically as your income changes from year to year.
- Premium tax credits lower your monthly bill, sometimes to $0
- Cost-sharing reductions can lower deductibles and copays for eligible incomes
- Plans still cover the essential health benefits required under the ACA
- You can requalify or update your plan each year during Open Enrollment
How to Apply - What to Expect
Applying for Medicaid, CHIP, or an ACA plan starts with a simple eligibility check. There is no cost to check, and checking does not commit you to anything.
- Share your ZIP code, household size, and approximate income
- We estimate which programs you likely qualify for
- If you want help, a licensed advisor can walk you through the official application
- You decide whether to enroll - there is never any pressure to sign up
Getting Help Costs You Nothing
Checking your eligibility and getting help from Zero Gap Health is always free. We are not a government agency, and using our service does not affect any government benefits or applications you submit directly. Our goal is simply to help you understand the coverage you may already qualify for.
Ready to see your options?
Answer a few quick questions and a licensed advisor will email your personalized plan options within one business hour. 100% free, no obligation.