If you or someone in your family receives Medicaid benefits, you may qualify for free cell phone service through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity programs. These federal assistance programs help ensure affordable phone access for low-income Americans to vital services, jobs, healthcare, education and more.
In this guide, we’ll explain how those with Medicaid can enroll in Lifeline and ACP to get free monthly phone service, unlimited data, and a free smartphones.
You’ll learn the eligibility requirements, how to apply, and how to sign up with a National wireless provider EASY Wireless. With FREE mobile phone and broadband service, Medicaid recipients can stay connected to manage healthcare, access assistance programs and gain greater independence.
What Is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is a Federal program that provides discounted home phone and cell phone service to households who qualify based on limited income. The Lifeline program in your state is administered by the Federal Communications Commission.
To receive Lifeline cell phone service, you must have an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain government assistance programs.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
In addition to Lifeline discounts, Medicaid recipients can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This is a newer federal subsidy program that went into effect in 2022 and provides a monthly discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and is also eligible for purchasing cell phone data services.
The ACP program is open to eligible households, who meet income requirements or participate in certain government assistance programs, including Medicaid. Combined with Lifeline discounts, ACP can make cell phone and internet access free for eligible consumers.
How to Qualify for Lifeline & ACP with Medicaid
To receive the valuable Lifeline service and ACP benefits, you must enroll with a participating wireless provider and meet the following criteria:
- Currently receive Medicaid benefits
- Complete the Lifeline & ACP application and submit proof of Medicaid participation
- Follow your provider’s enrollment process to activate service
You must recertify each year with current proof of Medicaid eligibility to remain enrolled in these programs. Your household can only obtain one Lifeline benefit and ACP benefit per address.
Additional Qualifying Federal Government Programs
In addition to Medicaid, the following Federal Programs also qualify:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
For those living on Qualifying Tribal Lands:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start
ACP Only Qualifying Programs
- WIC
- Pell Grant
- National School Lunch Program
- Income below 200% of the FPL{inset ACP chart}
Getting Started with EASY Wireless
EASY Wireless makes it simple for Medicaid recipients to sign up for free cell phone service through Lifeline and ACP. As a leading Lifeline & ACP provider.
EASY Wireless offers:
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE Unlimited Data**
- FREE Smartphone*
- FREE SIM Card Kit
- Nationwide coverage on a reliable network
*smartphone offer dependent on plan benefits and location
** Data amounts dependent on location and chosen plan
How to Apply with EASY Wireless
To get started with EASY Wireless as a Medicaid recipient, you’ll need to provide a few documents:
- Proof of Medicaid eligibility (Medicaid card, award letter, etc)
- Proof of ID
You can enroll online in just minutes and have your FREE Cell Phone Service Plan delivered right to your door at no cost. EASY Wireless makes it inexpensive and easy to get a free phone with service tailored to your needs.
Benefits of Free Cell Service with Medicaid
Staying connected through a free cell phone can provide many helpful benefits to Medicaid members including:
- Accessing telehealth services and scheduling appointments
- Communicating with healthcare providers
- Receiving medication and test result reminders
- Coordinating transportation to doctor visits
- Checking Medicaid coverage and claims
- Obtaining prescription refills
- Searching for jobs and assistance programs
- Pursuing education and educational resources
- Connecting with friends/family for support
- Accessing government resources and community services
Sign Up for Free Cell Phone Service Today
Don’t pay full price for cell service when free and low-cost options exist! Medicaid recipients nationwide can get a FREE smartphone with monthly service at no cost through Lifeline and ACP. Sign up with EASY Wireless today and start saving.
Apply and Qualify Today!
To find out if you qualify, just fill out your email and zip code in the box below, and click “Enroll Now” to get started.
It only takes a few minutes to see if you are approved for FREE Monthly Cell Phone Service from EASY Wireless.
Start Saving Today!
Start Saving Today!
Visit One of Our Retail Stores
Come by one of our retail stores and let one of our enrollment specialists get you connected with FREE cell phone and data service.
We also offer pre-paid plans with some of the best rates in the country plus a variety of discounted upgraded phones and accessories!
FAQ
What was the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
The FCC engaged the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to implement the EBB Program in 2021 and provided a temporary $50 monthly discount on internet service for eligible low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic. This benefit was then transitioned into a long-term program called the Affordable Connectivity Program that provides a $30 monthly discount on internet and cell phone service.
