Good news for low-income households, including children, pregnant women, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. If you are a Medicaid recipient, you can get a free iPad with Medicaid.
Owning a free iPad as well as having free health coverage is a boon, isn’t it? If you already receive Medicaid benefits, your dream of a brand-new iPad would be true.
The government is giving this incredible opportunity to those who cannot afford an iPad and healthcare programs. The Medicaid Free iPad program aims to improve digital literacy for eligible individuals, especially students.
What Is the Medicaid Program?
If you are a new Medicaid recipient, you may not know what Medicaid program can bring you. Before you learn how to get a free iPad with Medicaid, let’s introduce you to the Medicaid program.
Medicaid, also known as Medical and Medical Assistance, is a joint federal and state program in the US. Medicaid was created as Title XIX of the Social Security Act Amendments 1965. It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The program was initially designed to provide medical assistance to specific categories of low-income individuals. This mainly involves families with dependent children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
Over the years, Medicaid has gone through several expansions. It allows states to broaden eligibility criteria and cover more low-income individuals. The states administer the program according to federal requirements.
The state and federal governments jointly funded the program. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare providers, including hospitals and clinics. All in all, Medicaid is integral to the US healthcare system.
Free iPad with Medicaid Program
In recent years, the usage of iPads and tablets has expanded exponentially. It has become an integral part of many people’s lives, along with cellular phones. Students use it for many educational purposes, and office workers use it to work remotely.
Unfortunately, many cannot afford it because of its high price. Considering this, the federal government has partnered with several service providers to offer free iPad for Medicaid recipients.
Specifically, they created the opportunity for Medicaid recipients to get a free iPad. The Medicaid recipients already receive medical assistance from the federal government. The opportunity to get a free iPad is a great plus for them.
The government and some non-governmental organizations offer free iPads through Lifeline and ACP programs. Medicaid is a federal assistance program. So, participating in Medicaid already makes you eligible for the Lifeline and ACP programs.
How Free iPads with Medicaid Benefit You?
The Medicaid program itself brings a lot of benefits to the eligible candidates. On top of that, getting an iPad benefits Medicaid recipients in many ways.
Enhanced Access to Healthcare Information
iPads can be valuable tools for accessing health information. Also, it helps to manage appointments and communicate with healthcare providers. This can empower individuals to take a more active role in their healthcare.
Educational Resources
Another essential benefit of having an iPad is that it offers access to educational tools. If you have school or college-going children, they can use it to learn online, do assignments, read documents, etc.
Telehealth and Remote Monitoring
iPads can be used for educational purposes. It offers resources related to health and wellness. This could include educational apps, videos, and articles that help individuals better understand and manage their health.
Communication and Social Inclusion
iPads with internet connectivity can enable individuals to stay connected with family and friends. Thus, it reduces feelings of isolation. This social connection can positively impact mental health and overall well-being.
Access to Support Services
iPads can be used to access social services, community resources, and support networks. This can be particularly valuable for individuals facing various challenges who may benefit from additional assistance.
Job Search and Training
iPads can support individuals in their job search efforts and provide access to online training and educational programs. Potentially, it contributes to increased economic opportunities.
In addition to the above benefits, Medicaid recipients can get the following benefits.
- Free monthly talks
- Free texts
- Free international calls
- Free data
- Free WiFi Hotspots
How Medicaid Get You a Free iPad?
Medicaid is a government-sponsored healthcare program that assists eligible low-income individuals and families with medical expenses. Its primary focus is on providing healthcare coverage.
So, you may be wondering how Medicaid can get you a free iPad. Because Medicaid qualifies you for the Lifeline and ACP programs, you are eligible for a free iPad application.
Lifeline and ACP aim to make communication services affordable by providing free devices and mobile services. The ACP program was launched during COVID-19 as a replacement for Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB).
The ACP mainly focuses on providing free or discounted tablets and iPads to eligible children and adults enrolled in Medicaid. It offers up to $100 discounts to Medicaid recipients to purchase devices like tablets, laptops, and desktops.
Ways to Obtain Free iPads with Medicaid
There are several ways you can get your free iPad with Medicaid.
Health Insurance Marketplace
Medicaid recipients can get a free iPad by applying for it and visiting their health insurance marketplace. Submit the form to their website.
Service Providers
You can also get an iPad for free with Medicaid through service providers like Assurance Wireless, QLink Wireless, StandUp Wireless, and TruConnect.
Medicaid Waiver Programs
There are Medicaid waiver programs in some states that provide conductive technology devices to persons with disabilities. Eligible devices include iPads or tablets. Check your local Medicaid office to learn more about their waiver programs that provide iPads.
ACP Benefits
Participating in the ACP can get you a $100 credit for purchasing an iPad or tablet. Contact the ACP support center ((877) 384-2575) for more information.
Non-Profit Organizations
Some non-profit organizations provide free or subsidized iPads to needy individuals. The following are some of the non-profit organizations that offer free iPads with Medicaid.
- The United Spinal Association
- The National Cristina Foundation
- The On It Foundation
- The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation
- The National Cristina Foundation
Community Outreach Programs
Sometimes, you may get free iPads from some community organizations or local businesses. If you are eligible for Medicaid, contact your local community center, library, etc., to learn more.
Apple Accessibility Program
Apple makes its products and services accessible to disabled people through the Apple Accessibility program. This program allows eligible individuals to receive iPads at a discount. Visit the Apple website to apply for the program.
Do You Qualify for an iPad for Free with Medicaid Program?
You may qualify for getting a free iPad if you enroll in the Medicaid program. So, Medicaid enrollment is the criteria you must meet. Besides this, you must meet a few more criteria to qualify for a free iPad with Medical, such as;
- You must be a citizen of the United States or a qualified non-citizen.
- You must be living in a state in which you are applying for a free iPad.
- Your annual household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- If you or your children have disabilities, you may be eligible for a free iPad with Medicaid.
What Would It Take to Prove Your Eligibility?
Becoming eligible for a free iPad isn’t enough for a free one with Medical Assistance. You must prove your eligibility by providing relevant documents. Here are a few documents you need to provide to verify your eligibility.
Medicaid Enrollment Proof
If you are enrolled in Medicaid, you will need to provide a Medicare card or a letter issued by your state’s Medicaid agency.
Disability Proof
If you or your children are disabled, you will need to provide the necessary documents to prove your disability claim. This may include;
- A doctor’s note
- A disability determination letter from social security or disability certificate
- Medical bills
Income Proof
You will need to provide the following documents to prove your low income;
- Tax returns
- Recent pay stubs
- Current income statement
- Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
- Child support award
- Divorce decree
Identity Proof
If you are a citizen of the US, you must provide essential government-issued identification documents to establish your identity. This includes;
- A passport
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s license
- State, government, or Tribal ID card
- Permanent resident card or green card
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document
Age Verification
If you are applying for your children, you must prove the child’s age by providing a birth certificate and school identification card. Besides, senior applicants aged above 55 must verify their age.
Address Proof
Provide the documents to prove the address where you want to receive your iPad with Medicaid. This includes;
- A utility bill
- Bank statement
- Lease agreement
The process to Apply for a Free iPad with Medicaid
You can apply for a free iPad with Medicaid through the Health Insurance Marketplace. You can apply here in two ways: either through the marketplace or directly through your state Medicaid agency.
Apply Through the Marketplace
You will need to fill out an application through the marketplace. If anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid, they will send your information to your state agency. Then, the state agency will contact you about enrollment.
You will need to create an account to start a Marketplace application.
The steps for Medicaid enrollment are given below;
- Click on “Create an account.”
- To see if your state uses HealthCare.gov, pick the state you live in
- This will direct you to the official health plan marketplace in your state
- Enter your ZIP code to find home care agencies near you
- Select a home care agency from the available list and contact Carina. You can also filter the list by choosing your preferred language and provider gender.
- On the following page, you will need to provide the care recipient’s age and details about the person who needs the care.
- Provide your name, number, and email so the agency can reach you.
When you submit your Marketplace application, they will inform you if you qualify for cost savings on a Marketplace plan.
Apply Through Your State Medicaid Agency
Select your state to get your Medicaid agency’s contact information. You will be redirected to your state’s Medicaid website. Apply for your state’s Medicaid following their instructions.
Process to Apply Through a Service Provider
Several wireless providers participate in the Federal Government’s Lifeline or ACP program. Find a Lifeline or ACP provider in your area. Visit their website to register. Select your area or ZIP code and enter your email address.
Click “Apply Now or Get It Now”. Follow the instructions to complete the form. Provide all the documents and information required for the application. After submitting the plan, you have to choose a plan.
How Long Does It Take Your Application for Free iPads with Medicaid to Get Approved?
Processing time for an application varies by state. Getting your application approved may take two days to one week. Once your application is approved, you will receive your free iPad with Medicaid.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s how you can get your free iPad with Medicaid. Getting a free iPad may open up a world of opportunities for you. You can use your iPad for daily life needs. Check if you qualify and follow our steps to get your iPad.
