MAGI Medicaid FAQ
Frequently asked questions about MAGI Medicaid
Overview
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medicaid covers:
- Parents or caregivers
- Pregnant women
- People under age 21
- Children under 19
- Former foster youth
- The expanded Medicaid group
It does not cover people who are disabled or age 65 and older.
New federal laws have changed how Medicaid and health insurance work. For Alaska-specific questions about Public Assistance programs, please email our policy team at
What is the Affordable Care Act?
What is the Affordable Care Act?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the nation’s health care reform law, passed in March 2010. It includes two laws: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (HCERA). Together, they are called the ACA.
What is the Federally Facilitated Marketplace?
What is the Federally Facilitated Marketplace?
The Marketplace is a way to find health coverage that fits your needs and budget. With one application, you can compare plans, see if you qualify for help paying your premiums, and sign up.
Starting November 1, 2015, the Marketplace can also check if you qualify for MAGI Medicaid. If you do, your case will be sent to the Division of Public Assistance to start your Medicaid benefits. If more information is needed, your case will still be sent to them for review.
The Marketplace can also handle appeals if you’re denied Medicaid, or you can ask the State of Alaska to review your case.
Learn more at: www.HealthCare.gov
What do Alaska Natives and American Indians need to know about the Marketplace?
What do Alaska Natives and American Indians need to know about the Marketplace?
HealthCare.gov explains how the new health coverage options through the Marketplace affect Alaska Natives and American Indians.
Where and how can I apply for Health Insurance or Medicaid?
Where and how can I apply for Health Insurance or Medicaid?
You can apply for Medicaid online, by mail, or in person.
- Through the Marketplace: Visit HealthCare.gov. or call 800-318-2596 (TTY: 855-889-4325), anytime. If you qualify, your application will be sent to the Division of Public Assistance.
- Through MyAlaska: Once you have logged in, click "ARIES Self-Service Portal" under Services for Individuals.
- By mail: Download and print an application to mail or fax to a Division of Public Assistance (DPA) Office.
- In person: Pick up and submit an application at a Public Assistance Office or with a fee agent in their village.
Need help? A fee agent, navigator, or other trained helper can assist you with your application.
What Medicaid eligibility groups are affected by the ACA?
What Medicaid eligibility groups are affected by the ACA?
Who Can Get MAGI Medicaid in Alaska (as of Sept. 1, 2015):
- Parents and caregivers with dependent children
- Children under 19
- Young adults under 21
- Former foster youth up to age 26
- Adults without children (ages 19–64)
- Pregnant women
What is happening with the other people currently receiving Medicaid?
What is happening with the other people currently receiving Medicaid?
MAGI Medicaid does not affect seniors or people with disabilities who get Adult Public Assistance or Long Term Care Medicaid.
Are the names of the Medicaid programs changing?
Are the names of the Medicaid programs changing?
No, but each person who gets Medicaid will get a card. It will say DenaliCare or Denali KidCare. DenaliCare cards for adults cover both MAGI and Non-MAGI Medicaid.
What is the “Modified Adjusted Gross Income” (MAGI)?
What is the “Modified Adjusted Gross Income” (MAGI)?
MAGI is how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) counts your income and household size. It’s used to decide if you qualify for Medicaid, Denali KidCare, or help paying for health insurance through the ACA.
How will the Marketplace or the Division of Public Assistance verify the information on my application?
How will the Marketplace or the Division of Public Assistance verify the information on my application?
We try to check the information on your application electronically. The Marketplace and Division of Public Assistance use federal databases to verify things like citizenship, immigration status, and Social Security benefits. If we can’t verify something, we may ask you to send more proof.
Will my information be kept private?
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, your privacy is very important to us. Any information you give through HealthCare.gov, my.alaska.gov, or the Self-Service Portal is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (
5 U.S.C. Section 552a).