Do I Qualify For Medicaid?
In today’s day and age, it seems that the costs of healthcare are rising every single day. As healthcare prices continue to rise, and not everyone’s financial situation rises with it, more and more people are seeking assistance and researching their options. For those who are struggling, or have certain qualifying circumstances, Medicaid can be a life saving option.
What Is Medicaid?
Simply put, Medicaid is a program provided by the federal government for those who qualify due to disability or low income. It covers some or all of the costs of Medicare. Medicaid can help cover services that Medicare doesn’t cover, or only partially covers, such as:
- Nursing home care
- Personal care
- Transportation to medical services
- Home- and community-based services
- dental, vision, and hearing services
What’s The Difference Between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program offered to U.S. citizens who are 65 and older. Younger people with disabilities, as well as as well as some younger people with disabilities who are on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). People with renal disease who require dialysis are also eligible. Medicaid is a program specifically designed for those who qualify due to certain circumstances, such as:
- Persons who are 65 or older
- Qualifying children under 19
- Pregnant women
- People living with a disability
- Low-income families and individuals
Am I Eligible?
If you feel you may be eligible for Medicaid, you can use this chart to see what you may qualify for based on your income and family size.
Can I Have Medicaid if I Already Have Medicare?
It’s possible to qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, it’s referred to as having “Dual Eligibility”. People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid will likely have all of their healthcare costs covered.
What Is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, provides health coverage to eligible children, through both Medicaid and separate CHIP programs. CHIP is administered by states, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government. You can learn more about eligibility here.
How Do I Apply?
If you feel you meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, you can contact your state Medicaid agency. You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for benefits. Once you have done this, if you feel you qualify, you can visit medicare.gov and fill out an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
What If I Am Denied By Medicaid?
If you are denied, you may still qualify for savings based on your income through a premium tax credit and savings on out-of-pocket costs. If you don’t qualify for either Marketplace or Medicaid savings, you still have options. For More Information, Visit HealthCare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip to learn more about Medicaid. Visit Medicare.gov/contacts, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get the phone number for your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office.