How To Get A Free Cell Phone With Medicaid

Date:

What If You Already Have A Phone

Medicaid Recipients Get FREE Cell Phone Service! | # QLinkWireless

Do you already have a phone that you know and enjoy? If you join EASY Wireless you can keep your current phone and earn up to an extra 12GB of data for free!

EASY Wireless offers a Bring Your Own Phone program for those who already have a working device. This program allows you to keep your own compatible device by installing a free EASY Wireless SIM card.

Free Government Cell Phones: Which Phones You Can Get

The various carriers that participate in the Lifeline Assistance program do a pretty good job of giving their customers some great options in terms of cheap or free phones. The available models are typically older devices that have reached their age of maturitytheyre still excellent devices that can keep you connected, but are no longer as popular as newer devices, meaning the manufacturers are more willing to take on the financial hit of discounting the phone for free.

Note that regardless of which Lifeline carrier you choose, its rare to find a free government iPhone. Most carriers discount Android devices, so if you do find a government iPhone for free, jump on it before its gone!

Some free phone carriers arent very forthcoming with their phone lineups until after you go through the qualification process. However, doing so will help you determine what kind of stipend youre working with for your free or cheap government phone.

Of course, if you want a smartphone thats slightly newer than those available through the Lifeline Assistance program, you can always see which current models have associated with them at the moment. Here are a few free phones on sale from standard cell phone carriers.

How To Qualify For Medicaid

In order to qualify for Medicaid, applicants must first fit into a certain category. These categories include children, parents of eligible children, pregnant women, and the disabled or elderly. If an applicant fits one of these categories, then the household must meet the requirements for income and resources. These limits vary according to the category of Medicaid and are the basis for determining whether Medicaid will pay for all or some of the health coverage needed. Verification of citizenship and identity is required and immigrants who are permanent residents but not yet citizens must meet certain criteria before they can qualify, including having been in the country for six years and having a minimum number of work quarters earned from Social Security.

Recommended Reading: What Does Medicaid Family Planning Services Cover

Don’t Miss: Does Florida Medicaid Cover Dental

How To Get A Free Phone From The Us Government

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.

The US government offers a program called Lifeline Assistance that can reduce the cost of phone and internet services, if you qualify.

Sadly, Lifeline Assistance no longer provides free cell phones alongside their discounted services. But you may find that some of the wireless providers offering free plans through the Lifeline program still offer a free cell phone or free SIM kit. Scroll down to see a list of those providers below.

Most cell phone providers participating in the Lifeline program also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which can get you a cell phone or tablet at a discounted price of about $11.

To qualify for Lifeline Assistance, you either have to have an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or be currently enrolled in any of the following government programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  • Supplemental Security Income
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Assistance for Needy Families , Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations , Head Start
  • Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit

What Kind Of Free Phones Are Available With Medicaid

FREE Cell Phone + FREE Monthly Minutes

You will know what phone you can get once you go through the approval process. However, most Lifeline Assistance-eligible carriers do a good job of offering a wide range of phones.

Unfortunately, you wont get the free iPhone 11, iPhone SE, or a new Android phone with these carriers, but you can get your hands on some decent phones.

Assurance Wireless has made its cell phone lineup public to give you an idea of what to expect. Smartphones such as the Alcatel Dawn and the Kyocera Hydro are available.

Other cell phones include the Coolpad Haylo, REVVL 4, and ZTE Prestige.

Recommended Reading: Home Health For Medicaid Patients

Bureau Of Indian Affairs General Assistance

BIA Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Notice letter of participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Program participation documents.
  • Another official document evidencing the consumer’s participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Unemployment Documentation
  • Copy of last year’s State or Federal income tax return.
  • 3 consecutive months’ worth of your most current pay stubs.
  • Social Security benefits statement. Veterans Administration benefits statement.
  • Retirement/Pension benefits statement.
  • Divorce decree or child support document.
  • Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation benefits statement.
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • U.S. Passport/U.S. Territory Passport
  • Foreign Passport
  • U.S. government, military, state or Tribal issued-ID, which includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  • U.S. Military ID cards
  • Common Access Card
  • Military Discharge documentation, which includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  • Northern Mariana Card
  • Mexican Consular Card

How To Order Your Tests

The free COVID-19 tests are part of the Biden Administrations COVID-19 Winter Preparedness Plan and will only be available for a limited time. The orders began shipping the week of December 19th.

Heres how to order yours in less than two minutes:

  • Fill out your contact and shipping information
  • You can also call 1-800-232-0233 .

    These free at-home tests are available for every residential address in the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and overseas military and diplomatic addresses . You may also request your tests be sent to a POBox, as long as its registered as a residential POBox, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services .

    Your tests will be delivered via the U.S. Postal Service and all orders within the continental United States will be sent through First Class Package Service . Youll be able to track your order status if you provide an email address to receive notifications with shipping updates.

    Although you cant choose the brand of COVID-19 test you receive as part of the program, they are all FDA-authorized at-home rapid antigen tests.

    Don’t Miss: Does Medicaid Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal In Florida

    Do Free Cell Phone Providers Provide Customer Support To Users

    This depends on the providers and how they behave with their customers and which type of service they provide them. Every provider has a different attitude towards their customers. However, most of the Lifeline providers are known for offering their reliable, responsive, and competent customer support services to their customers. So, if you are a Free Cell Phone user and get it from the Lifeline provider then you will get the best services from them.

    Check The Expiration Date

    Free low income cell phone service

    If youve rummaged through your bathroom cupboards, only to find you have expired tests, dont toss them out quite yet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates for most at-home tests.

    To find out if yours can still be used, consult this table from the FDA. If the shelf life has been extended, youll find a link to updated expiration dates. If the table does not say the shelf life is extended, you should still go by the expiration date on the label of the tests box.

    Many home tests have had shelf life extension past the expiry date, says infectious disease physician Amesh A. Adalja, MD, a Senior Scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. In general, an expired test that delivers a positive result can be considered to be reliable. A negative test and a symptomatic individual may need to be followed up with more testing.

    You May Like: Where Can I Use Medicaid

    What Is A Badgercare Plus Dental Program

    BadgerCare Plus is a similar program for groups of people who may not qualify for Medicaid or have different needs for healthcare coverage. BadgerCare Plus is also sometimes informally referred to as just BadgerCare. Badger care plus is a health care program for all low-income and disable residents of Wisconsin who are elderly, blind or disabled but still need healthcare coverage. It does not have an open enrollment period, and people can apply at any time.

    You May Like: Can International Students Get Medicaid

    How Do I Qualify For Assurance Wireless Lifeline Service

    Enrollment in this government benefit program is available to individuals who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. You may qualify for Assurance Wireless if you participate in any of the following government programs

  • Food Stamps/SNAP
  • Veterans Pension benefit or Survivors Pension
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
  • Recommended Reading: Medicaid For Adults Under 65

    Federal Veterans Affairs Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit

    Pension Grant Letter, should contain the following basic information:

    • Participants name
    • A decision about the participants monthly entitlement amount
    • Payment start date

    Qualify by income and provide one of the following as proof.

    • Prior Years State, Federal or Tribal Tax Return
    • Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation Benefits Statement
    • Divorce Decree or Child Support Documents
    • Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
    • Current Income Statement from Employer or Paycheck Stubs
    • Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
    • Social Security Benefits Statement

    #: Sign Up For Free Cell Phone Assistance

    How to Qualify for Free Government Cell Phone Service

    Even, the simple and easy way to apply is online. One can fill the application online on their device. It is because many of the wireless providers that offer Lifeline plans are enable to provide you their service online and for this, they provide the facility to apply with them online. You can apply with them by visiting their website. When you visit their website, then you have to search for Lifeline, and then click on Apply, Start, Enroll, or any of the buttons which are showing there, to apply for the application.

    As there are various ways to apply for the Lifeline supported program, and if you choose standard mail or an in-person way to submit the documents, then you have to also ask the provider that you choose for the Lifeline application. However, it depends on you which way you choose to apply for the Lifeline assistance program, but make sure that you will enter the right details.

    Like, enter your full legal name, your current address, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number . For all these details you have to fill in the document and make sure that you fill right and true details, otherwise, it is also possible that will not be able to get any of the assistance in the future if you fill in any wrong information. Along with this, with the application, you have to need to submit or attach your documents. As you read in the last section.

    Don’t Miss: How Much Do Braces Cost A Month With Medicaid

    Snap / Food Stamps / Calfresh

    Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

    • Name of the program,
    • Current participation status

    Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

    • Name of the program or state equivalent,
    • Name of the beneficiary,
    • Current participation status

    What Is The Application Process For Free Government Cell Phones For Low Income

    When you are applying for any of the programs to get benefit from them, then the first thing is that you have to know about their process. So that, you will work according to the process and do wait for the results as well. Thats why today you will get all the steps of a process for the free government cell phones for low income here. You can see that these steps are not so different from other program application processes, but it may be possible that document requirements may differ.

    Lets see what are the documents needed to apply and what the application process is. However, in the Lifeline support program there are three steps for the application process, which are mentioned below:

    Recommended Reading: What Is Family Planning Medicaid Nc

    Recommended Reading: Arkansas Medicaid Program Phone Number

    If I Am Approved Can I Keep My Current Phone Number

    Yes, if you are approved, you can keep your current phone number.

    Once you receive your Assurance Wireless phone, you can contact Customer Care at 1-888-321-5880 and a representative will help you keep your current number. Just call from a different phone and have your account number and password from your previous carrier handy.

    Lifeline Assistance Program: Free Cell Phone

    Get FREE Unlimited Cell Phone Service! | #QLinkWireless

    Eligible Horizon NJ Health members can receive a free cell phone and wireless phone service through SafeLink Wireless, a Federal Lifeline Assistance program. You can use your phone to stay in touch with your family, your doctor, your Horizon NJ Health case manager and Member Services.

    You may qualify for SafeLink Wireless because you are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare. After you qualify, you will have 350 free minutes and unlimited text messages every month. There are no bills, so there are no surprises. If you run out of minutes, you can buy extra minutes for just 10 cents a minute. You will always be able to call 911 or Horizon NJ Health Member Services for free, even if you run out of minutes.

    There are three ways you can enroll:

    • Visit www.SafeLink.com to apply online.
    • Print and fill out the and mail it back.

    Recommended Reading: Dentist Who Accept Medicaid Medicare

    Free 10gb Monthly Mobile Hotspot Data

    10GB Hotspot Data up to 4G LTE speed.During congestion, heavy data users and customers choosing Assurance or similarly prioritized plans may notice lower speeds than other customers due to data prioritization.*Based on phone availability shipping charges may apply. Customers who have been reinstated within 60 days of their service end date will keep their original phone and phone number. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

    Document Needed To Apply For Lifeline

    To prove your participation in the Lifeline Program you need the different documents but along with it, if you or one of your household members has participated in any of the above-mentioned programs which are the government programs then you or your family member will be eligible for Lifeline support Discount or for Free Services . Or maybe you are eligible to get a free government phone .

    As the low-income proof is important, similarly the participation documents are also important to show or provide the government get the free cell phones.

    Here is a list is given in below, which includes the information that a document can serve as proof of participation. You can use that document to show your participation in the government programs, and those documents list is:

    • You have to show the document which has your name or the name of the benefit qualifying person .
    • The document shows the Lifeline-qualifying program name, such as SNAP.
    • The Government or the Tribal Program administrator or the Managed Care Organization that issued the document.
    • You have to show that document that shows the date of participation or activation within the last 12 months, or which shows the ending date in the future of the participation.

    In most cases, a membership card copy and a cover of the letter are also sufficient, which is issued by the program administrator. You can use the document which has any of the information, then you can show your participation proof.

    Read Also: Does Walgreens Take Medicaid For Prescriptions

    Join More Than 2 Million Customers

    ‘One of my kids has juvenile diabetes and I have to be able call the ambulance if his sugar is out control. So thank you Q Link for being there to help me do that.’

    LAURA H

    ‘With the help of my phone I was able to go back to school after 7 years and receive my high school diploma. Thank you so much Q Link.’

    CRIIS D

    ‘I wanted to be independent and on my own!! And so when I got my Q Link Wireless phone I became very successful and independent.’

    KAYDEN S

    ‘If it wasnât for my Q-Link phone, I wouldnât have been able to call potential employers or receive call backs for interviews. Now, I have a full time job.’

    CHERYL F

    ‘I was able to use my Q Link service to find a job in my town where jobs are virtually non existent. I couldnât have done it without you Q Link! Thank you very much.’

    KRIS M

    ‘When my grandson was born, it was hard to keep in touch. I didnât have a cell phone OR landline. Now, I can keep in touch anytime. Thank you QLINK!’

    JO ANNE R

    ‘My Q Link phone has helped me a lot. I have many doctorâs appointments and calls I need to make. I donât know if I would be able to afford a regular bill.’

    TRINA P

    ‘I live where there is not great cell reception, but my Q link phone seems to always have a signal. My sonâs doctors, teachers, and school can always reach me!’

    NICOLE B

    ‘My Q Link phone is helpful in many ways but the first success was getting a job! I was able to get a call back from an interview only because I had a Q Link phone.’

    BRENDA NSHAYNE STERI C

    Popular

    More like this
    Related

    How Do I Sign Up For Pregnancy Medicaid

    Can Uninsured...

    How To Find My Medicaid Id Number

    When Will...

    West Virginia Medicaid Provider Enrollment

    Prescribers For...