Health
Ask about it
Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Programs in the District of Columbia
District of Columbia programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department of Health Care Finance
District of Columbia Medicaid
DC Medicaid pays for health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Health Care Finance
Children's Health Insurance Program
In District of Columbia, CHIP is called DC Healthy Families.
DC Healthy Families provides health coverage to eligible children and families.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority
DC Health Link
In District of Columbia, the health insurance marketplace is called DC Health Link.
DC Health Link lets residents compare and enroll in private health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Department of Behavioral Health
Public Behavioral Health Services
DBH oversees mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and support services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal programs
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare
Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Most people sign up through Social Security, online at SSA.gov or by phone. Medicare.gov compares plans.
Social Security Administration
Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. People with Medicaid or SSI may get it without applying.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA health care
Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
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Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988