How To Get Free iPad With Medicaid?

Medicaid is a medical assistance program administered jointly by the Federal and state governments to provide affordable healthcare to economically disadvantaged households. Since it’s a government-funded initiative, one would wonder if it’s possible to acquire a free iPad with Medicaid. The answer to this question, however, is not that straightforward. 

A $500 iPad is not an affordable gadget, at least not for those who barely meet their daily needs. Although there are numerous private and public schemes promising free tablets to those in need, getting your hands on an iPad can be a bit tricky. 

However, it’s not impossible. This guide will detail out every viable method to obtain a free iPad through the Medicaid program, covering eligibility criteria, providers with the best offers, and a step-by-step application process. 

Can I Get a Free iPad with Medicaid?

Medicaid primarily focuses on providing health coverage to underserved individuals, children, senior citizens, and army veterans. Since it’s a medical insurance program, it’s not possible to receive an iPad or any digital device through Medicaid. However, the US government oversees other communication programs that provide discounted phones, tablets, and low-cost voice and internet to economically backward communities. 

Since the program is specifically designed for households with limited income, you can use its participation as evidence of your financial status and participate in numerous digital programs operated by government, non-profit, and for-profit entities. And, although there is no guarantee, you might get lucky and get an iPad for practically nothing.  

So, yes, it’s possible to get a free iPad using Medicaid participation, but it will be unrealistic to expect too much. iPads are expensive and often considered a luxury rather than a necessity. While you may find some non-profit organizations and telecom providers offering free devices, the chances of receiving an iPad, especially a premium model like the iPad Pro or iPad Air, is very low. These assistance programs are aimed at empowering the less fortunate ones with affordable internet and devices, thus, it’s only fair to expect a device that fulfills basic internet requirements. 

In the best case, you might get an older generation of refurbished iPad, that too at a discounted price, not completely free. 

Does the US Government Have a Free iPad Giveaway Program?

No. There is no ongoing government assistance program handing out free iPads to individuals. However, as I mentioned in the previous section, there are certain technology initiatives funded by the US Federal Reserve that can help you get a free iPad or at least a tablet from the participating organization. 

These programs in collaboration with various telecom providers run a joint venture, providing low-cost internet service to economically challenged individuals. While the programs themselves do not give away free tablets, they can help you get a hefty discount on iPad, if purchased from the partnering providers. 

The good news is that nearly all of these providers accept Medicaid as valid eligibility criteria to verify individuals’ financial backgrounds, so if you fall into this category, you can enroll in these programs and get your hands on an iPad. 

Here are the programs:

1. Affordable Connectivity Program

ACP, a support scheme by FCC, provides financially disadvantaged households with low-cost broadband service. Every household with an annual income of below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines is qualified for the program, meaning, being a Medicaid beneficiary, you are directly eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program. 

Every participant under the ACP receives a monthly discount of $30 dollars against the broadband expenses, along with a $100 discount on tablets and iPads from the partnering providers. However, a nominal fee of $10 is required to claim the free iPad offer (if available).

Note –  ACP is no longer accepting new registrations, as the future of the program is uncertain due to insufficient funding. However, the existing members are still receiving the benefits, so there is a chance that the program will be reviewed in the future. 

2. Lifeline Assistance Program

Lifeline is another FCC initiative where you can register using your Medicaid participation and get a chance to receive a free iPad. Lifeline provides each eligible member with a discount of a minimum $9.25 on monthly voice, broadband, or bundled services. 

Lifeline accepts every individual hailing from a household with an annual income below 135% of Federal Poverty Guideline. However, as a Medicaid member, you automatically qualify for the program. All you have to do is visit the official website, produce the document demonstrating your Medicaid partnership, and register yourself as a beneficiary. 

Once your ACP/Lifeline membership is approved, you are ready to apply for a free iPad with Medicaid. 

Note – The Federal Poverty Guidelines may vary depending on your state, the size of your household, mortgage status, and private property. Ensure you fall below the poverty line before applying for either of the programs. 

Which Companies Offer a Free iPad with Medicaid?

Please remember that most providers offer budget-friendly tablets only. However, some of them feature rotating offers, and if you are lucky, you might come across an iPad listed on their website. Mentioned below are the top ACP and Lifeline partners with the highest chance of giving away a free iPad with Medicaid:

1. StandUp Wireless

Standup Wireless offers a discount of up to $40 on monthly broadband and voice calling services. Currently, you can get a 10-inch tablet for just $10.01, if you are an active Medicaid member qualifying through both Lifeline and ACP programs. Along with the tablet, you will get unlimited voice calling and 10GB or LTE/5G internet data every month. 

2. Q Link Wireless

With Q Link Wireless you can get a free iPad or Android tablet as well as unlimited calls, texts, and internet. The company also accepts applications from unemployed individuals who are registered for Medicaid benefits. 

3. Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless is handing out free smartphones and tablets for eligible Lifeline members. While currently there is no iPad available, you can get one in the future, along with 1000 free calling minutes, unlimited texts, and 4.5GB of monthly LTE/5G internet data. 

4. Easy Wireless

Currently, Easy Wireless is offering an 8-inch Android tablet for individuals qualifying through Lifeline+ACP, for just $10.99. What’s more, each Medicaid member receives a free smartphone loaded with unlimited voice, text, and internet data facility. 

What is the Eligibility Criteria for Free Medicaid iPad Program?

Here are the key eligibility requirements you must fulfill to apply for a free iPad with Medicaid:

• You must be a citizen of the United States, a verified green card holder, or a government-approved refugee. The state government from where you’re applying may implement different rules for the approved non-citizens. 
• You must be a permanent resident of the state where you are applying from. 
• You or any of your household members must be an active beneficiary of Medicaid. 
• The annual income of the household must not be higher than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline for the state. The minimum income threshold might get impacted by the size of the household. For a larger family, a higher limit will be applicable. 
• If you are a senior citizen, military veteran, or physically disabled individual with no active income, your eligibility will be established according to your financial resources and private assets.

How to Get a Free iPad with Medicaid?

Here is a detailed step-by-step procedure to apply for a free iPad through Medicaid. 

1. Enroll in Medicaid

If you’re not a Medicaid beneficiary already, visit the official website and apply for the membership. You will need to submit the proper documentation regarding your income, medical history, citizenship, etc.  

2. Apply for Technology Assistance Programs

The next step is to register for the Affordable communication programs. Currently, you can only apply for Lifeline, as ACP is not accepting new joinees. 

2. Pick a Provider that Offers free iPad with Medicaid

After you become a member of Lifeline or ACP, it’s time to search for a genuine provider offering free iPads. In the following section, I will outline some of the most popular and reliable telecom partners where you can obtain a free or cost-effective iPad and tablets. 

3. Get Your Documents Ready

Visit the provider’s website and review the program’s terms & conditions, eligibility criteria, and available offers in your state. More than often, you may not find a provider that offers a free iPad in your area. In that case, you can’t do anything but wait. 

If there is an offer available, gather all the necessary documents, such as a government identity card, Medicaid card, income statements, tax papers, etc. It’s always a good idea to arrange as many documents as possible so that you don’t have any last-minute inconveniences. 

Here is a list of required documents:

Identity Proof	Proof of Residence	Medicaid card
✅A valid US passport ✅Driver’s license ✅State-issued identification card ✅Social security card ✅Birth certificate issued by the government ✅Certificate of Neutralization ✅Military ID ✅Tribal ID ✅Permanent Resident or Resident Alien Card	✅Utility bills ✅Voter registration card ✅ID card with present address ✅Pay stub with address ✅Vehicle registration papers ✅Bank statement ✅Letter from government agency ✅Insurance policy ✅Mortgage statement	✅Documents claiming an active membership of Medicaid for you or one of your household member.

 

4. Complete the Application Form

Carefully fill out the application form and provide the necessary information as mentioned in your official documents. Be truthful with the information as a small mistake may permanently disqualify you from applying for such benefits or impact your current Medicaid benefits. 

Please remember there are thousands of individuals applying for free iPads and tablets every day, and applications with authentic and accurate information have a higher chance of getting approval. 

5. Wait for the Approval

Submit your form along with the necessary documents and wait for the response. In case your application gets rejected, you can lodge a fresh request after 30 days. 

What are the Alternate Methods to Get a Free iPad with Medicaid?

Since you’ve already established your eligibility through ACP and Lifeline, you can try the following avenues to try for a free iPad with Medicaid:

1. Ask Your School

Apple has partnered with thousands of schools across the country to promote digital literacy and is providing free iPads to students hailing from underprivileged backgrounds. So, if you have a K-12 grade child in a public school, it’s possible to get an iPad. However, these iPads are not distributed permanently, instead are given for school use or overnight loan. 

2. Request a Non-Profit

Many non-profit entities are tirelessly working towards digital awareness and training. Operating mostly on private funding and donations from big enterprises, they distribute refurbished laptops, smartphones, and tablets to those with financial constraints. Everyoneon, Computers for Kids, Connectall, and The On It Foundation are some of the organizations where you can request for an iPad. 

3. Government Grants

Government Grant is a financial aid from the government to support social welfare projects. Such grand-funded organizations may fulfill your wishes, given that you have a legitimate need. Danny’s Wish, Cerner Charitable Foundation, and Daniela’s Wish are some of the grants where you may stand a chance to get a free iPad. 

FAQs

1. Is there a program offering free iPad for low-income families?

There is no specific government initiative that distributes free iPads. However, you can participate in Lifeline Assistance and get a free iPad or Android tablet. 

2. How to get a free iPad from the government?

To get a free iPad, you must register for the Lifeline Assistance Program and apply for a tablet through partnering telecom providers, such as Q Link, Assurance, and Standup. 

3. How to get a free iPad for students?

The only way to get a free iPad for students is through the ConnectED program or from a non-profit organization offering refurbished iPads to financially disadvantaged students.

4. Can I get a free iPad from Apple?

If your School participates with the ConnectED program, you can temporarily get an iPad from Apple. However, the program is available mostly for K-12 grade students.

Conclusion

No doubt, getting a premium Apple device for free is always going to be tricky. As we’ve learned from this guide, there is a very slight chance you may get a free iPad with Medicaid, simply due to the lack of offers. So, what are your options in this case? 

The best is to regularly check the ACP and Lifeline partners’ websites for ongoing offers. Usually, most of them offer only Android tablets, but there is always a chance for a surprise. As for the application process and eligibility, I am sure this guide has simplified every step for you, whether you are a Medicaid member or not.