Last updated: June 21, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in North Dakota and need health coverage, start with Medicaid, CHIP, Medicaid Expansion, or Marketplace help. Children, pregnant mothers, some parents and caretakers, adults ages 19 to 64, people with disabilities, and people with high medical bills may have different coverage paths.
Apply online through the Self-Service Portal, check the state Ways to apply page, or call the Customer Support Center at 1-866-614-6005. Free ND Navigators can also help with Medicaid, CHIP, and Marketplace applications.
This guide is general information only. It is not medical, legal, tax, or benefits advice. For a broader state roadmap, keep ASMOM’s North Dakota help page nearby while you apply.
If you need health care today
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Do not wait for a benefits decision if someone has chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke symptoms, heavy bleeding, a severe allergic reaction, suicidal thoughts, or another emergency.
- Mental health crisis: Call or text 988. North Dakota explains crisis support on its ND 988 page.
- Local help: Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 through FirstLink 211 for clinics, rides, food, diapers, and local support.
- Pregnant and uninsured: Apply for Medicaid right away and report the pregnancy. Call the Customer Support Center if you are close to delivery.
- Hospital bill due: Ask the billing office for financial assistance and ask them to pause collections while you apply.
- Unsafe home: If abuse affects care, privacy, housing, or transportation, use ASMOM’s ND safety help on a safer device if needed.
Where to start
The best first step depends on who needs care. A child, a pregnant mother, an uninsured adult, and a child with a disability may qualify under different rules. If you are not sure, apply or ask for free enrollment help.
1. Apply for coverage
Apply for everyone who needs care, not only the child. North Dakota can screen each person for Medicaid, CHIP, pregnancy coverage, Medicaid Expansion, or another group.
2. Ask for help
Call 1-866-614-6005 if you need case help. For free enrollment help, call ND Navigators at 800-233-1737 or use the ND Navigators page.
3. Use care now
If you are uninsured and need care, ask a clinic, health center, or hospital billing office about sliding fees, charity care, and application help.
4. Fix other barriers
If food, rent, transportation, or child care blocks care, use ASMOM’s ND emergency help guide for next steps.
Quick reference
| Need | Start here | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage for a child | Apply for Medicaid or read the CHIP page. | Children may qualify even when the parent does not. |
| Pregnancy coverage | Apply for pregnancy Medicaid and report the pregnancy. | North Dakota counts the unborn child in family size. |
| Adult age 19 to 64 | Check Medicaid Expansion. | Adults eligible for Medicare or SSI usually use other coverage groups. |
| Help with medical bills | Ask about client share, charity care, or Marketplace plans. | High bills may change the best path. |
| Free application help | Call ND Navigators or a health center. | Navigators do not sell plans and can help compare choices. |
Medicaid and CHIP in North Dakota
North Dakota Medicaid helps pay for health care for people who apply and qualify. The state has many coverage groups, and each group has its own rules. The official Medicaid eligibility page says income levels can change when policy and laws are updated.
Children may qualify through Medicaid or CHIP. CHIP is for uninsured children in families that make too much for regular children’s Medicaid but still meet CHIP rules. North Dakota says CHIP and Medicaid are different coverage groups, but the health coverage is the same.
Do not skip applying because your income is close to a limit. Pregnancy, a newborn, a child’s disability, client share, or another coverage group can change the answer. ASMOM’s Medicaid and CHIP guide can help with basic terms.
| Family size | Children 0-5 | Children 6-18 | CHIP | Pregnant women |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,022 | $1,836 | $2,727 | $2,328 |
| 2 | $2,742 | $2,489 | $3,697 | $3,156 |
| 3 | $3,461 | $3,142 | $4,668 | $3,985 |
| 4 | $4,180 | $3,795 | $5,638 | $4,813 |
| 5 | $4,900 | $4,449 | $6,608 | $5,642 |
These are monthly income levels effective April 1, 2026. They are screening numbers, not a final decision. For pregnancy, the unborn child counts as a family member.
Pregnancy, postpartum, and newborns
If you are pregnant, apply as soon as you can and report the pregnancy. North Dakota pregnancy Medicaid can cover prenatal care, labor, delivery, and other covered services. If you were on Medicaid during pregnancy, North Dakota says eligible new mothers receive 12 months of postpartum coverage.
The state new moms page says you must notify the Customer Support Center when you become pregnant, when your due date changes, and when your pregnancy ends. If you do not apply before birth, you may not qualify for the extended postpartum coverage.
A newborn automatically qualifies for North Dakota Medicaid for the first year when the birth mother was covered by North Dakota Medicaid on the day the child was born. Still, report the birth so the baby receives a Medicaid number. For related support, ASMOM’s pregnancy support guide can help you plan food, baby supplies, and care questions.
Coverage for adults
Medicaid Expansion is often the main path for an uninsured adult age 19 to 64 who is not eligible for Medicare or SSI and has household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. North Dakota posts annual income limits for this group.
| Household size | Medicaid Expansion annual limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $29,864 |
| 3 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $53,379 |
These Medicaid Expansion rates are effective April 1, 2026. Some adults may fit another group instead, such as parent or caretaker coverage, pregnancy coverage, disability-related Medicaid, Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, or Medicaid with a client share.
Watch for rule changes
North Dakota’s Stay Enrolled page says some Medicaid eligibility rules are changing in 2026 and 2027. It also says Medicaid Expansion work requirements begin December 31, 2026 for some adults, with exemptions for groups such as pregnant women, postpartum members, medically frail members, parents or caregivers of children 13 and under, and some others.
Children’s checkups, dental, vision, and WIC
Children on Medicaid can receive EPSDT services, called Health Tracks in North Dakota. EPSDT is a child Medicaid benefit for screenings, diagnosis, and treatment. The federal EPSDT page explains the broad child benefit, and the North Dakota Health Tracks guide explains the state program.
Ask your child’s clinic about well-child visits, shots, dental screening, vision screening, hearing screening, developmental checks, mental health concerns, and referrals. If your child needs a dentist, use Insure Kids Now and call before the visit to confirm the office accepts new Medicaid or CHIP patients.
WIC is not insurance, but it helps pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and children under 5 with healthy foods, nutrition support, breastfeeding help, and referrals. North Dakota WIC says caregivers such as dads, grandparents, and foster parents may also apply for a child. Use the WIC eligibility page before your appointment, and keep ASMOM’s ND WIC guide nearby.
If your child has a disability or high medical needs, ask about Children with Disabilities Medicaid Coverage. It may let some families buy into Medicaid by paying a premium. ASMOM’s disability help guide explains related support paths.
Rides to medical care
If you or your child has Medicaid and you cannot get to a covered medical or dental appointment, ask about non-emergency medical transportation. North Dakota’s NEMT guide explains transportation rules for Medicaid trips.
Do not wait until the morning of the appointment if you can avoid it. Call early, have the clinic name and address ready, and ask what notice is required. If you live far from care, ask whether mileage, meals, or lodging can be considered for a medically necessary trip. ASMOM’s ND transportation page can help with non-Medicaid ride options too.
Marketplace plans if Medicaid does not fit
If Medicaid or CHIP does not fit, check HealthCare.gov. North Dakota uses the federal Marketplace. You can compare plans, estimate costs, and check whether you may get help with premiums. The Marketplace dates page lists open enrollment dates, and the Special Enrollment page explains when a life change may let you enroll outside open enrollment.
You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP any time of year if eligible. Private Marketplace plans usually require open enrollment or a qualifying life event, such as losing coverage, moving, marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or certain household changes.
Do not guess on income
Marketplace savings are based on estimated income for the coverage year. If your income changes, update your Marketplace account. A wrong estimate can affect your tax return.
Clinics, screenings, and hospital bills
If you are uninsured, between coverage, or waiting for approval, look for a clinic with a sliding fee scale. HRSA-funded health centers serve many communities and may offer medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and referral help. Search the HRSA clinic tool by city or ZIP code.
North Dakota’s Women’s Way program can help eligible women get breast and cervical cancer screening and connect to treatment coverage when needed. For birth control, STI testing, pregnancy testing, and related preventive care, check the state Family Planning program.
If you already have a hospital or clinic bill, ask for financial assistance before paying with a credit card or payday loan. Large systems with North Dakota locations include Sanford assistance, Altru assistance, and Essentia assistance. If your hospital is different, ask its billing office for the financial assistance policy.
If dental pain is the main problem, use ASMOM’s ND dental help page before you agree to a payment plan.
Documents checklist
You do not have to have a perfect file before asking for help. Apply first if you need care. Then send proof quickly if the state, clinic, hospital, or Marketplace asks for it. Use ASMOM’s documents checklist if you are applying for more than health coverage.
| Item | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate, passport. | Shows who is applying. |
| North Dakota address | Lease, mail, utility bill, shelter letter. | Shows state residency. |
| Income | Pay stubs, tax return, award letters, child support proof. | Helps decide eligibility. |
| Pregnancy proof | Clinic note, due date, or pregnancy verification if asked. | May place you in pregnancy coverage. |
| Medical bills | Hospital bills, clinic bills, prescriptions. | May matter for client share or charity care. |
| Current insurance | Policy card, employer offer, denial notice. | Helps avoid wrong coverage choices. |
After approval, read the Member handbook so you know how to use your card, find providers, and ask about covered services.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not opening notices: A short letter can be a deadline, not just an update.
- Only applying for a child: Apply for everyone who needs coverage so the state can screen each person.
- Missing pregnancy updates: Report pregnancy, due date changes, and the end of pregnancy quickly.
- Assuming no dentist accepts Medicaid: Use dentist search tools and ask clinics for help finding a provider.
- Ignoring hospital bills: Ask for financial assistance even if you were denied Medicaid.
- Waiting on rides: Ask about Medicaid transportation before the appointment date.
If Medicaid is denied, delayed, or cut off
If your Medicaid application is denied, your case is delayed, or your benefits are reduced or closed, read the notice right away. North Dakota’s Medicaid appeal page says applicants or recipients may appeal if they disagree with a decision or if the application has not been acted on with reasonable promptness.
The state says an appeal request must be filed no later than 30 days from the date the notice of action is mailed. Do not wait while trying to fix it only by phone. You can call for help and still protect your appeal rights.
- Ask what proof is missing and how to send it.
- Save every notice, upload receipt, and portal screenshot.
- Ask a hospital financial counselor to screen you for Medicaid, charity care, and payment plans.
- Call 211 for clinics, transportation, food, diapers, and local support while you wait.
- Use ASMOM’s benefit problems guide before a deadline passes.
If the issue involves eviction, unsafe housing, custody, abuse, disability rights, or a hearing, contact ND legal help early. This guide is not legal advice.
Phone scripts
Calling Medicaid or CHIP
“Hi, I am a North Dakota parent. I need health coverage for myself and my child. Can you tell me whether my application is complete, what documents are missing, and whether we are being screened for Medicaid, CHIP, pregnancy coverage, or Medicaid Expansion?”
Calling a clinic
“Hi, I need an appointment, but I do not have insurance right now. Do you offer a sliding fee scale, a financial counselor, or help applying for Medicaid or Marketplace coverage?”
Calling about a bill
“Hi, I received a bill I cannot pay. I want to apply for financial assistance. Can you send the application, tell me what documents you need, and pause collections while my application is reviewed?”
Calling about an appeal
“Hi, I received a notice about my Medicaid case. What is my appeal deadline, how do I file the appeal, and what records should I include?”
Resumen en español
Si usted es madre soltera en Dakota del Norte y necesita seguro médico, empiece con Medicaid, CHIP, Medicaid Expansion o HealthCare.gov. Puede solicitar ayuda en línea, por teléfono al 1-866-614-6005, por correo o con una oficina local. Los Navegadores de North Dakota también pueden ayudar gratis.
Si está embarazada, solicite Medicaid y reporte el embarazo pronto. Si tiene una emergencia médica, llame al 911. Para crisis de salud mental, llame o mande texto al 988. Guarde cartas, pruebas de ingresos, identificación, dirección, embarazo y cuentas médicas.
FAQ
Can single mothers get Medicaid in North Dakota?
Yes, some single mothers qualify, but eligibility depends on the coverage group, income, household size, residency, and other rules. Apply or ask a Navigator if you are not sure.
Can my child qualify if I do not?
Yes. Children may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP even when the parent does not qualify for adult coverage.
Can I apply while pregnant?
Yes. Apply as soon as you can and report the pregnancy. North Dakota counts the unborn child in family size, and eligible mothers on Medicaid during pregnancy may receive 12 months of postpartum coverage.
What if I am over income?
Ask about CHIP for children, Medicaid with a client share, Marketplace plans, community health centers, Women’s Way, family planning clinics, and hospital financial assistance.
Does Medicaid help with rides?
Medicaid may help with non-emergency medical transportation to covered appointments when no other transportation is available. Ask early because rides often require advance notice.
What can I do if Medicaid denies me?
Read the notice and check the appeal deadline. North Dakota says many Medicaid appeal requests must be filed no later than 30 days from the date the notice of action is mailed.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified June 21, 2026, next review September 21, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.