Free Tablet with Medicaid
Many Medicaid beneficiaries can get a free tablet with Medicaid by enrolling in federal connectivity programs. Under the FCC’s Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), eligible low-income households — including anyone on Medicaid — can receive low-cost or free devices and service. These programs provide free cell phone service plans and discounts on internet. In practice, providers like Assurance Wireless, StandUp Wireless, and Q Link Wireless partner with Lifeline/ACP to offer free smartphones and tablets to qualifying customers. Below we explain the major programs, eligibility rules, and how to apply.
Free Tablet with Medicaid: Lifeline and ACP Programs
The two main federal programs are Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lifeline is a long-standing FCC benefit that offers discounted or free voice/data plans to low-income consumers, while ACP (which ran from 2021–2024) provided broadband discounts and a one-time device credit. Although ACP officially ended in June 2024, qualifying households could get up to $100 off a laptop or tablet (by paying a small portion). In many cases, Lifeline subscribers can combine both programs: Lifeline covers the phone service, and ACP covers the tablet.
Lifeline/ACP eligibility is linked to Medicaid. By rule, households with at least one member on Medicaid automatically qualify for Lifeline and ACP (so long as income limits are met). For example, California’s social services site notes that any household on Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) is “likely eligible” for ACP discounts, including a $100 device credit. In general, if your income is at or below about 135–200% of the Federal Poverty Level or you receive Medicaid, SNAP, SSI or other qualifying aid, you can apply. Lifeline specifically requires income ≤135% FPL or participation in programs like Medicaid.
Once eligible, consumers apply for Lifeline/ACP through the FCC’s National Verifier or directly via an approved provider. The application involves submitting personal information and proof of eligibility (Medicaid card, benefits letter, pay stubs, etc.). Households can only receive one Lifeline discount and one ACP discount (one device credit) per household. If you apply and are approved, the provider will ship a smartphone or tablet to your address, typically with only a modest co-pay (often around $10).
Lifeline Program
The Lifeline program provides free monthly talk, text, and data (on a smartphone or hotspot device) to qualifying households. Participating carriers give enrollees a basic service plan at no cost, and often supply a free or low-cost phone. Lifeline alone covers phone service rather than tablets, but many Lifeline providers also participate in ACP. In practice, this means that as a Medicaid recipient, you enroll in Lifeline to get a free phone plan and then use ACP to obtain a tablet. (Even after ACP ended, Lifeline phone service continues in most states.)
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
ACP built on Lifeline by offering a monthly discount on internet bills and a one-time device credit. While ACP is currently paused, it was a major source of free tablets from 2021–2024. Under ACP, eligible households could get up to $30 off their monthly internet (or $75 on Tribal lands) and a one-time device discount of up to $100. For example, the FCC notes that households on Tribal lands received $75/month and could use a $100 tablet credit. To use the device credit, the applicant paid at least $10.01 toward the tablet’s cost, and the provider covered the rest.
Even though new ACP enrollments stopped in mid-2024, many of its tablet offers still apply. Providers like Q Link Wireless and StandUp Wireless list ACP-era tablet deals (typically with a $10-$10.01 co-pay) on their websites. Some programs that used ACP funding have paused or shifted to new models, but if you already qualified for ACP or Lifeline, the device offers generally remain available through the same providers.
Major Providers and Tablet Offers
Many telecom companies participate in Lifeline/ACP. Key providers that offer free or low-cost tablets include:
Assurance Wireless
A nationwide Lifeline carrier, Assurance Wireless gives eligible customers a free smartphone plan and can provide a tablet under ACP. Its tablets are typically 7-inch Android devices (about 16GB storage) with front and rear cameras, and unlimited texting capability. To get Assurance’s free tablet, you must meet FCC Lifeline criteria (income <135% FPL or in a qualifying program like Medicaid). Applications are done on the Assurance website (enter ZIP code, submit documents).
StandUp Wireless
StandUp provides a free wireless plan (unlimited talk and text, plus 10 GB high-speed data) and has offered free tablets in many states. Under ACP, StandUp customers paid a $10 co-pay and received Android tablets. Common models include 10-inch tablets like the SKYPAD 10 and 8–9-inch models like the Alcatel JoyTab and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. To apply, new customers go to StandUp Wireless’ application portal, enter their information and proof of eligibility, and receive a discounted tablet with free service if approved.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link is a nationwide Lifeline carrier (T-Mobile network) that also participated in ACP. Q Link’s plan includes a free unlimited phone service and an ACP-funded tablet for a $10.01 co-pay. Their website shows that ACP-eligible users can select a tablet when enrolling. The tablets offered by Q Link are typically mid-range Android models (brands like Samsung, LG, or Amazon Fire) suitable for browsing, video calls, and online learning.
Other Providers
Several other Lifeline carriers also provide tablets to eligible customers. For example, Life Wireless (T-Mobile), SafeLink Wireless (TracFone/Verizon), TruConnect (AT&T MVNO), and Access Wireless (formerly Sprint) have offered similar deals. Offers vary by region and availability; many of these companies let customers pay a small co-pay ($10–$15) to receive an 8–10-inch tablet with their free plan. (Exact models and availability change frequently, so check with each provider.)
Apply Free Tablet with EBT if you are interested!
State and Local Initiatives
In addition to federal programs, some states have extra initiatives to bridge the digital divide for Medicaid populations. For instance, California’s government promotes the ACP benefit: the state’s social services department explicitly highlights that ACP households (including Medi-Cal families) can get a $100 discount on a laptop or tablet. California also offered its own broadband subsidy, California Internet for All, and educational programs, which often make devices more available to low-income residents.
Other states and localities run digital inclusion projects (through libraries, community centers or non-profits) that sometimes include device distribution or laptop loans. While these vary widely, you can check with your state Medicaid or social services office for any local programs. In general, however, the federal Lifeline and ACP framework remains the main avenue for a free tablet if you have Medicaid. Tribal communities had an enhanced ACP benefit ($75/month + device credit), so if you live on Tribal lands, you may have accessed even greater subsidies for tablets and internet.
Eligibility and How to Apply for Free Tablet with Medicaid
Who qualifies? Medicaid enrollment itself is a qualifying status. In practice, to get a free government tablet, you must meet the basic Lifeline criteria: be enrolled in Medicaid (or another program like SNAP, SSI, Veterans Pension, etc.) or have household income below the threshold (commonly 135% of FPL). Many sites advise gathering proof of your benefit (Medicaid card or award letter), ID, and income documents before applying.
Application steps:
- Choose a participating carrier. Decide which provider works in your state (Assurance, StandUp, Q Link, etc.).
- Apply online. Go to the provider’s website and begin the Lifeline/ACP application.
- Submit documentation. Upload or mail copies of your Medicaid card or other proof of eligibility and identity.
- Wait for approval. The provider will verify your information through the FCC’s verifier system.
- Activate your service. Follow the instructions (usually call or online activation) to start your free plan.
Each provider’s process is similar: supply your Medicaid enrollment information and wait for confirmation.
Note: Many carriers limit one free tablet per household. If you already have a Lifeline phone service, you can still add the ACP tablet offer. Shipping is usually free or included. The only cost is the required contribution (often $10–$15) for the device itself. After that, the tablet and service remain free as long as you stay eligible.
Conclusion
For Medicaid families, the opportunity to get a free tablet with Medicaid can greatly improve access to healthcare, education, and online resources. While no state runs its own “Medicaid tablet” giveaway, the federal Lifeline and ACP programs effectively grant this benefit to Medicaid enrollees. By applying through a Lifeline provider like Assurance, StandUp, Q Link, or similar, eligible households can secure a free Android tablet (often 7–10 inches) along with a free data plan.
To get started, check your eligibility and apply via a carrier’s website or the FCC’s verifier. Collect your Medicaid card and income documents, pick a provider that offers a free government tablet, and fill out the online application. With a bit of effort, many Medicaid recipients successfully receive a tablet at no cost – truly a Medicaid free tablet. These devices can be a lifeline, keeping you connected to telehealth appointments, online schooling, job searches, and staying in touch with family.
