If you’re wondering how do I apply for Medicaid in Oklahoma, you’re not alone. Health care can be expensive, but Oklahoma offers a state Medicaid program—called SoonerCare—to help low-income individuals and families access the medical services they need. Whether you’re pregnant, disabled, a child, or simply need financial support for medical costs, this guide will walk you through how to apply and what to expect.
What Is SoonerCare?
SoonerCare is the name of Oklahoma’s Medicaid program. It’s administered by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) and funded jointly by the federal government and the state of Oklahoma. This program helps eligible low-income Oklahomans get access to critical health care services such as:
Doctor visits
Hospital care
Prescription drugs
Dental plans and vision (in some cases)
Mental health services
Long term care
Prenatal and maternity services for pregnant women
Who Qualifies for Oklahoma Medicaid?
Oklahoma Medicaid eligibility depends on your income, household size, and specific circumstances such as age or disability. Here are groups of people eligible for SoonerCare:
Children under 19
Pregnant women
Parents and caretaker relatives
Disabled individuals
The elderly (65+)
Individuals receiving Social Security Income
People in foster care or leaving foster care
Your income and assets will be reviewed to see if you meet financial criteria. For example, income limits for a family of four are around $42,000 per year, but these numbers may change annually.
What Is Covered Under SoonerCare?
Once enrolled, you gain benefits such as:
Preventive and emergency medical services
Access to prescriptions
Mental and behavioral health care
Dental and vision coverage for children
Long term care support for qualified individuals
Screenings and immunizations
Help with Medicare premiums, if applicable
Some individuals may also qualify for assistance paying their Medicare Part A, B, or D premiums if they are dual eligible.
How to Apply for SoonerCare
There are three main ways to apply for SoonerCare. It’s a good idea to have your information ready before you begin to make the process easier.
Apply Online
The fastest and easiest way is to apply online through the official SoonerCare application portal. You’ll need:
Names and birthdates of each applicant
Proof of income (like pay stubs or tax returns)
Social Security Numbers
Citizenship or immigration documents
Current health insurance (if applicable)
Apply In Person
You can also visit your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office to complete a paper application. Staff will help you fill out the form and provide any help you may need.
Apply by Phone
For help or to apply by phone, contact the SoonerCare Helpline at 1-800-987-7767. This is especially helpful for people who may not have computer access.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you submit your application, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority will review it. You may need to submit more information. If approved, you’ll get a benefits card in the mail.
If denied, you can request a review or appeal the decision. Your coverage typically begins the month you applied, or the following month depending on your situation.
Income Guidelines and Financial Requirements
The income guidelines depend on the number of people in your household and their total income. These financial criteria are adjusted yearly based on federal poverty levels.
For example:
A single adult earning less than ~$20,000/year might qualify.
A family of four could qualify with income below ~$42,000/year.
Keep in mind: assets like vehicles or small savings usually don’t count against you unless you’re applying for long-term care or are elderly.
Special Programs: Insure Oklahoma
For individuals who earn too much for traditional Medicaid but still struggle with health insurance costs, Insure Oklahoma offers an alternative. It helps small business employees and self-employed people afford coverage.
Insure Oklahoma covers:
Part of your health insurance premium if your employer participates
A private plan option for those not offered insurance through work
Coverage for pregnant women, children, and working families
What If You Already Have Medicare?
If you have Medicare, you may still qualify for Medicaid (SoonerCare) as a secondary coverage. This can help cover Medicare premiums, co-pays, and deductibles—saving you money.
Many elderly, disabled, or blind individuals qualify for dual enrollment. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more, or call your local SoonerCare helpline for help applying.
Common Misconceptions About SoonerCare
You don’t have to be unemployed to qualify. Many working people are still eligible due to high medical costs or low income.
Citizenship is required, but legal residents may qualify depending on status.
You can still apply for SoonerCare if you already have limited private insurance—it may act as supplemental coverage.
Enrolling in SoonerCare does not affect your immigration status.
How to Keep Your Coverage Active
Once you’re enrolled, keep your contact information updated and respond to any renewal requests. Failure to respond can lead to a loss of benefits, even if you still qualify.
You’ll receive a notice when it’s time to renew your coverage. Most people must renew once a year, either online, by phone, or in person.
Help for People with Disabilities
If you or a loved one lives with a disability, SoonerCare offers critical support. Many disabled individuals qualify for Medicaid due to income limits and health conditions. Coverage can include personal care, durable medical equipment, assistive devices, and long-term care services.
In Oklahoma, programs like the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers are available through SoonerCare for eligible individuals with developmental or physical disabilities. These programs help people remain in their homes rather than moving into institutional settings.
To learn more about disability-specific services, visit the OHCA Services for People with Disabilities page or call the SoonerCare Helpline.
Need a Phone to Stay in Touch with Your Health Care?
Applying for and keeping your SoonerCare benefits often requires staying in contact with providers, checking emails, or answering verification calls. That’s where EASY Wireless can help.
Why Staying Connected Matters
To fully participate in health care programs, online forms, and renewal processes, you need:
Mobile data to submit forms and documents
A phone number to receive calls from DHS or OHCA
Internet access for health portals and doctor visits
Get Free Data and More with EASY Wireless in Oklahoma
If your household qualifies for SoonerCare or other assistance programs, you may also qualify for free phone service through EASY Wireless. Their offers include:
Free smartphone
Unlimited talk and text
6GB of data per month
Free SIM card and activation
You can apply online or walk into one of their 40+ retail stores across Oklahoma. You’ll need a valid ID and proof of program participation or income eligibility.
Taking Control of Your Health and Budget
Understanding how to apply for Medicaid in Oklahoma is the first step toward getting the care you deserve. SoonerCare helps you access medical, dental, and mental health services when you need them—without the high cost.
And by pairing it with programs like Insure Oklahoma and EASY Wireless, you can take control of not just your health, but also your financial stability and connectivity.
If you think you might qualify, don’t wait— start your application today take a step toward better health.
