How do you know if you qualify for medicaid?
How do you know if you qualify for medicaid?
(source: ehow.com)
Many of us today cannot afford good health care. Many single mothers and fathers are working two or more jobs but by the time the bills are paid and food is put on the table, there is nothing left. The state you live in says it truly wants all its residents to get good health care, and if you can’t afford it, then Medicaid can make it possible for you to get it. Here’s how to know if you qualify for Medicaid.
Step1
Medicaid is only available to those who are considered low-income. Medicaid will send the payments directly to your health care provider. You may be responsible to pay a small portion or co-payment for some medical services.
Medicaid is available in each state and is a federally funded program, each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services.
Certain requirements must be met according to your states guidelines. Some of these guidelines may be: your age, whether you have a disability, if you’re blind, a senior citizen, or if you’re pregnant. Other things will be looked into like your income, what kinds of resources you have like your bank accounts, if you own property and other items that can be sold for cash, if you’re a U.S. citizen, or a lawfully admitted immigrant. Special rules apply for those who live in nursing homes and for disabled children living at home.
Step2
Your children may be covered by Medicaid if they’re U.S. citizens or legally in this country, even if you are not. There is a five-year limit to those who are lawful permanent residents. The child’s status will make them eligible for… Medicaid–your income and resources do not count when it comes to your child.
Step3
If your income is low, apply for Medicaid and have a qualified caseworker in your state check to see if you can qualify. To see if you are eligible check the website in Resources below.
Step4
If you are eligible, your coverage starts 3 months prior to when you applied for Medicaid and may stop at the end of the month that your circumstances change. For example, if you find a better job and start making better money, or become covered by your employer’s health insurance. Most states also have “state-only” program that will provide a poor person with medical coverage if they don’t qualify for Medicaid however, state-only programs are not federally funded like Medicaid.
Just because a person is poor it does not make them automatically qualified for Medicaid. Even under the most lenient circumstances and having a low income is only one hurtle you have to go through to qualify for Medicaid. This should not matter to you though, if you and your family need health care coverage then do what ever it takes to get it. This is what the program is for, there is never any shame in asking for help, you should be ashamed if you need it but don’t ask for it. Needy persons who are eligible for Medicaid may also be eligible for the SSI program.