Free Stuff with Medicaid: What You Can Get & How to Claim It

With Medicaid, participants can receive a wide range of valuable benefits that go far beyond basic healthcare coverage. By leveraging additional government programs like Lifeline, SNAP, and WIC, Medicaid recipients can access more free or discounted services, helping reduce financial stress and improve quality of life across multiple areas. Check out free stuff with Medicaid that you might not know you can get!

1. Can You Get Free Stuff with Medicaid?

Introduction to the Medicaid program

Medicaid is a health insurance program funded by the U.S. government, a federally funded safety net built to serve those facing financial hardship, spanning from young children and seniors to individuals living with disabilities. It was established on July 30, 1965, as part of the “Great Society” initiative under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Medicaid was created to provide a safety net and access to healthcare for financially disadvantaged individuals. 

In 2010, the program was significantly expanded through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), allowing individuals with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level to qualify for Medicaid. 

“Free stuff” refers to any products, services, or supportive equipment that Medicaid recipients can receive completely free of charge or at a significantly reduced cost. 

How does Medicaid connect to other government benefit programs?

Medicaid does not function in isolation, it is closely integrated with many other support programs, allowing recipients to access a wide range of free stuff and comprehensive benefits: 

• SNAP (Food Stamps): Provides food assistance. Many related programs, such as Museums for All, LIHEAP, discounted public transportation, summer camps, etc., accept the EBT card issued through SNAP. 
• WIC: Designed for pregnant women and young children. Enrolling in Medicaid often means you’re instantly eligible for WIC benefits; no extra steps needed. This program offers supplemental nutrition, health education, and support for mothers and infants. 
• Lifeline: Reduces monthly phone or internet costs by about $9.25 (on the mainland) or $34.25 (on tribal lands) for individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid. 
• Other programs, etc.

2. Using Medicaid to Unlock Free Telecom Benefits 

Introduction to the Lifeline program  

The Lifeline program is a federal assistance initiative administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Launched in 1985, Lifeline was designed to ensure that low-income Americans can access affordable phone or internet service, a critical necessity in today’s connected world. 

One of the standout features of the Lifeline program is its partnership with authorized carriers, such as AirTalk Wireless. These carriers work directly with the federal program to provide eligible individuals with subsidized, and often completely free, mobile and internet services.

For individuals enrolled in Medicaid, eligibility for Lifeline is automatic, making it incredibly easy to unlock digital access without added financial burden.

Through AirTalk Wireless, eligible users can receive: 

• A free smartphone with nationwide coverage and modern features 
• A free tablet, ideal for remote learning, job searching, or staying in touch 
• Unlimited talk and text, plus generous high-speed data packages 
• No contracts, no activation fees, and no surprise bills 

These benefits are designed to ensure digital equity and allow individuals from underserved communities to stay connected. Whether you’re applying for jobs, accessing telehealth, or helping your kids with homework, the devices and services from AirTalk make a real impact. 

Step-by-step guide to apply for a free phone and tablet with Medicaid

To participate in the Lifeline program and receive free phone and tablet from providers like AirTalk Wireless, individuals must meet income-based criteria or be enrolled in certain government assistance programs. One of the most straightforward ways to qualify is by being a Medicaid recipient. 

In fact, if you are currently enrolled in Medicaid, you’re already eligible for Lifeline; no extra qualifications are necessary. Other qualifying programs include SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and veterans’ benefits.  

If you’re ready to take advantage of this opportunity, here’s how to apply for a free phone with Medicaid and potentially even a free tablet with Medicaid through Lifeline and providers like AirTalk Wireless: 

Step 1: Check your Medicaid status

Make sure your Medicaid enrollment is current. Since this is the primary qualifier, you’ll need documentation or proof of enrollment, though in many cases, Lifeline providers can verify your eligibility automatically through federal databases. 

Step 2: Visit a Lifeline provider like AirTalk Wireless

Head over to AirTalk Wireless, plug in your ZIP code, and explore a customized list of plans and devices offered right in your neighborhood.

AirTalk Wireless will display specific offers such as free smartphones and occasionally free tablets, depending on inventory and program availability.

Step 3: Choose your plan 

Select a Lifeline plan. Many standard plans include a free phone with Medicaid, and some even combine benefits to offer a free tablet with Medicaid as part of a bundled package. 

Step 4: Complete the application 

Fill out the application on the provider’s website. You’ll be asked to verify your identity and provide proof of Medicaid enrollment if automatic verification doesn’t go through. Be sure all the information matches your official documents. 

Step 5: Receive your devices 

Once approved, AirTalk will ship your free phone and potentially a free tablet directly to your home, typically within 7 to 10 business days. You’ll also receive access to your selected service plan with talk, text, and data benefits.

>>> Read how to apply for Lifeline and get free devices: How To Get A Free EBT Smart Phone (Food Stamps)

3. Free Baby & Pregnancy Stuff with Medicaid 

Medicaid doesn’t just cover healthcare expenses; it also provides a wide range of practical support for families with pregnant women or young children. Most of these benefits come from collaborations between Medicaid and programs like WIC, nonprofit organizations, and local health services.

Here’s what you may be eligible for, if you know how to take advantage of it at the right time. 

Free baby stuff with Medicaid 

Caring for a newborn can come with many expenses, but if you’re enrolled in Medicaid, there are plenty of baby items you may be able to receive completely free of charge.

Diapers, baby formula, wipes, strollers, and infant car seats are among the essential items often available to low-income families. 

Many nonprofit organizations in the U.S., such as WeeCycle and Every Mother Counts partner with healthcare systems and Medicaid to distribute essential baby supplies for free.

In states like Colorado or California, community health centers collaborate with diaper banks to provide free diapers to eligible families. 

In addition, the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children), often connected with Medicaid, offers baby formula, supplemental food, and nutrition guidance for young children. For infants who require prescription-based formulas, Medicaid can often cover the full cost.

Free pregnancy stuff with Medicaid 

When you’re pregnant and covered by Medicaid, you’re not only eligible for comprehensive medical care but also for a variety of material and emotional support that contributes to a healthier pregnancy. 

These support packages often include:

• Prenatal vitamins
• Routine ultrasounds
• Labor and delivery coverage
• Parenting classes
• Prenatal counseling services.

All of these are funded either directly through Medicaid or through state-level partnered programs. 

(*) For example, in Texas, Medicaid covers the full cost of scheduled prenatal ultrasounds, over-the-counter prenatal vitamins, regular checkups, hospital deliveries, and postpartum support. Many states are also expanding policies to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage up to 12 months, instead of the previous 60-day limit, aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates and improving infant health outcomes. 

Some states go even further by including doula services (birth of companions) and breastfeeding counseling in Medicaid coverage. These professionals help guide safe childbirth, postnatal care, and provide emotional support to new mothers. 

4. What Can You Get from CVS with Medicaid? 

If you’re enrolled in Medicaid, CVS offers a range of over the counter (OTC) benefits and exclusive savings that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. These benefits are part of CVS’s partnership with Medicaid programs and OTC Health Solutions, providing convenient access to essential healthcare products. 

Free stuff from CVS with Medicaid 

When your Medicaid plan includes OTC benefits, you’ll receive a quarterly allowance, typically $30–$50, to spend on approved health and wellness items at participating CVS locations or through home delivery. 

Eligible items include: 

• Cold and allergy medications, pain relief products, and cough syrups 
• Vitamins and supplements (e.g., vitamin D, calcium) 
• Essential personal care items like toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, adult diapers, and baby care items like wipes 
• First-aid essentials, compression socks, thermometers, and other everyday health aids 

You can also benefit from CVS’s Extra Care program, which offers members 20% off CVS-brand health items, along with coupons and free delivery options. When combined with Medicaid’s OTC allowance, these offers help you maximize savings on everyday essentials.

How to claim CVS free items with Medicaid? 

Step 1: Verify that your Medicaid plan includes OTC benefits

Check your Medicaid plan or associated managed care plan to confirm OTC coverage and note the quarterly allowance (usually $30–$50). 

Step 2: Find a participating CVS store

Not all CVS locations participate. Use the OTC Health Solutions store locator or call 1‑888‑262‑6298 (TTY 711) to find a nearby store that accepts OTC benefits. 

Step 3: Choose your items

Refer to your plan’s OTC catalog to find eligible items and their SKU codes. Approved OTC products are clearly labeled in stock with codes on aisle shelves. 

Step 4: Make your purchase in-store

At checkout, present your Medicaid or OTC card and your item list. The benefit amount will automatically be deducted from your total amount. You can pay out-of-pocket for any items that exceed the allowance. 

Step 5: Order by phone or online (if available)

Call OTC Health Solutions or use CVS’s OTC portal to place an order by phone or online. Home delivery lets you receive your items directly with no extra cost. Orders typically arrive within a week. 

OTC allowances reset quarterly and do not roll over. You can use your benefit multiple times in-store or a limited number of times online.

Final Words 

From telecom benefits to baby essentials and OTC savings at CVS, the range of free stuff with Medicaid is broader than many realize. By staying informed and taking the right steps, you can unlock meaningful support for yourself and your family. Start exploring your Medicaid-linked benefits today and make the most of what you’re entitled to.