Medicaid
Since when did Medicaid become so taboo? Especially considering it comes at little cost to you or in some cases no cost at all! Medicaid is health coverage available to certain people and families who have limited income and resources. The rules for counting your income and resources (like bank accounts or other items that can be sold for cash) depend on which State you live in.
Eligibility may also depend on how old you are and whether you’re pregnant, whether you’re blind or have other disabilities, and whether you’re a U.S. citizen. Certain legal immigrants may also be eligible. If a woman’s labor and delivery of her child is covered by Medicaid, her baby may be covered for up to 1 year without needing to apply.
Even if you aren’t sure whether you qualify, if your income is limited, and if you or someone in your family needs health care, you should apply for Medicaid and have a qualified enroller in your state look at your situation.
How to apply for Medicaid
Each state has different rules about eligibility and applying for Medicaid. Call your state Medicaid program to see if you qualify and learn how to apply.
Medicaid spend down
Even if your income exceeds Medicaid income levels in your state, you may be eligible under Medicaid spend down rules. Under the “spend down” process, some states allow you to become eligible for Medicaid as “medically needy,” even if you have too much income to qualify. This process allows you to “spend down,” or subtract, your medical expenses from your income to become eligible for Medicaid.
To be eligible as “medically needy,” your measurable resources also have to be under the resource amount allowed in your state. Call your state Medicaid program to see if you qualify and learn how to apply.
Dual eligibility
Some people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” If you have Medicare and full Medicaid coverage, most of your health care costs are likely covered.
You can get your Medicare coverage through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). If you have Medicare and full Medicaid, you’ll get your Part D prescription drugs through Medicare, and you’ll automatically qualify for Extra Help paying for your Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicaid may still cover some drugs and other care that Medicare doesn’t cover.
- Don’t be afraid to carry a Medicaid card
- It’s a secret which means no one has to know. You’ve kept a secret before haven’t you?