Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in North Dakota and need health coverage, start with North Dakota Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicaid Expansion. These programs can cover children, pregnant women, some parents and caretakers, adults ages 19 to 64 with low income, people with disabilities, and some people with large medical bills.
Apply through the Self-Service Portal, use the state Ways to apply page, or call the Customer Support Center at 1-866-614-6005. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, check HealthCare.gov, a community health center, hospital financial assistance, Women’s Way, WIC, or a local clinic.
This guide is for general information. It is not medical advice, legal advice, or a promise that any office will approve your case.
Urgent help
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Do not wait for an application if someone has chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe allergic reaction, heavy bleeding, possible stroke symptoms, or another emergency.
- Mental health crisis: Call or text 988. North Dakota explains the service on its ND 988 page.
- Local health and social help: Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 through FirstLink 211.
- Pregnant and uninsured: Apply for Medicaid right away and report the pregnancy. If you are close to delivery, call the Customer Support Center after you apply.
- Bill already went to collections: Ask the hospital billing office for financial assistance and a hold on collections while you apply.
Where to start
The best first step depends on who needs care. A child, a pregnant mother, and an uninsured adult may qualify under different rules. If you are not sure, apply anyway or ask for free enrollment help.
For a wider benefits roadmap, use the North Dakota grants guide. For food help that often goes with health needs, see ND food help and the ND WIC guide.
Quick reference
| Need | Start here | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage for a child | Apply for Medicaid or CHIP page | Children may qualify even when the parent does not. |
| Pregnant or recently gave birth | Apply for pregnancy Medicaid | North Dakota counts the unborn child in family size. |
| Adult age 19 to 64 | Check the Medicaid Expansion page | Adults on Medicare or SSI usually use other Medicaid groups. |
| No insurance and over income | Ask about client share, Marketplace plans, or clinics | High bills may change the best path. |
| Need help applying | Call ND Navigators | Navigators are free and can help with Medicaid, CHIP, and Marketplace applications. |
Medicaid and CHIP in North Dakota
North Dakota Medicaid helps pay for health care for people who apply and qualify. The state has different coverage groups, and each group has its own income rules. Use the official ND eligibility page before you rely on any dollar amount.
For children, North Dakota has Medicaid and CHIP. CHIP is for children who are uninsured and live in families with income above the regular children’s Medicaid level but still within CHIP limits. The state says CHIP and Medicaid are different coverage groups, but the health coverage is the same.
Do not skip an application because you think you are a few dollars over. Some families qualify because of pregnancy, a child’s disability, medical bills, a newborn rule, or a different coverage group.
| Group | Who it may help | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s Medicaid | Children through age 18 in lower-income households | ND eligibility page |
| CHIP | Uninsured children through the month they turn 19 | CHIP page |
| Pregnancy Medicaid | Pregnant North Dakotans who meet the rules | ND eligibility page |
| Parent/caretaker coverage | Some parents or caretaker relatives caring for children | ND eligibility page |
| Client share | Some people over the income limit with medical need | ND eligibility page |
Practical tip
If you are applying for your child, include yourself on the application if you also need coverage. The state can screen each person under the correct group.
For more background on coverage terms, see Medicaid for mothers.
Pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn coverage
If you are pregnant, apply as soon as you can. Pregnancy Medicaid can cover prenatal care, labor and delivery, and other covered services. North Dakota also provides 12 months of coverage after pregnancy for women who were on Medicaid during pregnancy.
North Dakota’s eligibility page says a newborn automatically qualifies for Medicaid for the first year when the birth mother was covered by ND Medicaid on the day the child was born. Still, tell the state about the birth so the baby’s case is set up correctly.
WIC is another important health-related program. It is not health insurance, but it helps with healthy foods, nutrition support, breastfeeding support, and referrals. North Dakota WIC serves pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and young children who qualify. Start with the ND WIC page or read ASMOM’s national WIC guide.
For pregnancy, postpartum, and baby-related help beyond insurance, use ND maternity support and ND baby items.
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 income within the state limit. The state posts the current annual limits on the Medicaid Expansion page. If you are not sure how your income is counted, ask a Navigator or the Customer Support Center.
Some single mothers may fit another group instead, such as parent/caretaker relative coverage, pregnancy coverage, disability-related Medicaid, Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, or Medicaid with a client share. Parents and caretakers should not assume the very low parent/caretaker limit is the only possible adult path.
Watch for 2026 and 2027 changes
North Dakota says some Medicaid rules are changing. The state’s Stay Enrolled page is the safest place to check changes about eligibility, redeterminations, work rules, cost sharing, and retroactive coverage. If you get a notice, read it right away and ask for help before the deadline.
Children’s checkups, dental, and vision
Children on Medicaid are covered by EPSDT, called Health Tracks in North Dakota. EPSDT is meant to find health problems early and cover medically necessary care to correct or improve those problems. The federal EPSDT page explains the basic child benefit, and North Dakota posts a Health Tracks guide.
Ask your child’s clinic about well-child visits, vaccines, dental screening, vision screening, hearing screening, developmental checks, and referrals. If your child needs a dentist, use Insure Kids Now to search for dentists who accept Medicaid or CHIP.
If your child has a disability or high medical needs, also ask about Children with Disabilities Medicaid Coverage. It may let some families buy into Medicaid by paying a premium. For broader support, see ND disability help.
Rides to medical care
If you or your child has Medicaid and you cannot get to a covered medical appointment, ask about non-emergency medical transportation. This may include rides to medical or dental appointments when no other transportation is available. North Dakota posts a detailed NEMT guide.
Do not wait until the morning of the appointment if you can avoid it. Call early, have the clinic address ready, and ask what notice is required. If you live far from care, ask whether meals, lodging, or mileage may be available for medically necessary trips.
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, see estimated prices, and check whether you may get help with premiums. The HealthCare.gov dates page lists open enrollment dates, and the Special Enrollment page explains when you may enroll outside open enrollment.
You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP at any time of year if eligible. Marketplace private plans usually require open enrollment or a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage, 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 bill help
If you are uninsured, between coverage, or waiting for approval, look for a clinic that uses a sliding fee scale. HRSA-funded health centers serve patients in many communities and may offer medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and referral help. Search the HRSA health center tool by city or ZIP code.
Women’s Way can help eligible North Dakota women get breast and cervical cancer screening and, in some cases, help connect to treatment coverage. Start with Women’s Way.
For reproductive health, birth control, STI testing, pregnancy testing, and related preventive care, check North Dakota’s 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, search its website for “financial assistance” or “charity care.”
If you need care today
Call a clinic, urgent care, or hospital billing office and say you are uninsured or underinsured. Ask for sliding fee, charity care, or a financial counselor.
If you need counseling
Call 988 for crisis support. For local mental health help, see ND mental health help.
If safety is part of it
If abuse is affecting medical care, privacy, housing, or transportation, use ND safety help for safer local starting points.
Documents and information to gather
You do not have to have a perfect file before you ask for help. Still, clear documents can prevent delays. Keep copies or phone photos in one folder.
| 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 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 state 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 the child. Apply for everyone who needs coverage so the state can screen each person.
- Missing pregnancy changes. Report pregnancy quickly because it can change eligibility and postpartum coverage.
- Assuming no dentist accepts Medicaid. Use Insure Kids Now and ask the clinic for help finding a provider.
- Ignoring hospital bills. Ask for financial assistance even if you were denied Medicaid.
- Waiting on transportation. Ask about Medicaid rides before the appointment date.
What to do if you are 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. The notice should explain the reason and your appeal rights. North Dakota has a Medicaid appeal page for people who disagree with a decision or whose application has not been acted on with reasonable promptness.
Appeals are deadline-based. Do not wait while you try to fix it by phone. You can still call for help, but also protect your appeal rights if the notice gives a deadline.
Backup options while you wait
- Call 211 for local clinics, transportation, and bill help.
- Ask a hospital financial counselor to screen you for Medicaid, charity care, and payment plans.
- Use community support guide for local resource paths.
- If the health problem affects housing, use ND housing help.
- If a shutoff, eviction, or crisis bill is happening too, use the emergency help guide.
Phone scripts
Calling Medicaid or CHIP
“Hi, I’m a North Dakota resident and a single 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 hospital 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 and I disagree or do not understand it. What is my appeal deadline, how do I file the appeal, and can you explain what records I should include?”
Resumen en español
Si usted es madre soltera en Dakota del Norte y necesita seguro médico, empiece con Medicaid, CHIP o Medicaid Expansion. También puede pedir ayuda con WIC, clínicas comunitarias, transporte médico, programas de hospitales para bajar cuentas, Women’s Way y HealthCare.gov.
Llame al 1-866-614-6005 para preguntas sobre Medicaid o CHIP. Para crisis de salud mental, llame o mande texto al 988. Para recursos locales, marque 211. 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 for Medicaid while pregnant?
Yes. Apply as soon as you can and report the pregnancy. North Dakota counts the unborn child in family size, and postpartum coverage may continue for 12 months if you were covered during pregnancy.
What if I am over the income limit?
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 North Dakota 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 has an appeal process for Medicaid decisions and unreasonable delays.
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 May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 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.