Medicaid is a form of welfare provided by the U.S. government that covers or offsets healthcare expenses for low income families and individuals. In May 2020, it was estimated that nearly 67 million people received Medicaid coverage in the U.S.
Looking at the numbers, about 20% of the U.S. population is on Medicaid, or one out of every five people. In 2019, nearly $649 billion was spent on the program. These are not small numbers. That’s because the cost of healthcare continues to rise, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Wondering how you can qualify for Medicaid benefits? You’ve come to the right place. In this post you will learn everything you need to know about qualifying for Medicaid.
Let’s dive right in.
Medicaid Income Eligibility
Medicaid is a federally run program, but each state has its own system of administering benefits and determining eligibility. However, no matter which state you live in, you must meet certain income requirements.
In 2010, when the Affordable Care Act was passed, it allowed states to offer Medicaid coverage to all lower income people living in the U.S. At the end of the day, how much money you make (or don’t make) determines if you qualify. Qualification is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
The United States is a very diverse country, and the costs of living varies depending on where you live. So, in one state, where there is a high cost of living (like California) there is most likely a higher MAGI number than there is in Alabama, where there’s a lower cost of living.
Also, the amount of children and dependents you have factors into your MAGI number. To learn more about the specific eligibility requirements in your state, the first thing to do is locate your local Medicaid agency. Once you visit the preceding link, click on the state where you live, and go from there.
Medicaid Non-Income Eligibility
There are also eligibility requirements for Medicaid aside from financial ones. In most states, you must reside in the state where you are applying for benefits. If you live in New York, you would not be able to get Medicaid benefits in New Jersey.
Also, Medicaid is intended for U.S. citizens, and lawful permanent residents. For people living here without immigration permission, it can be very difficult to get official benefit. However, if you need urgent medical care, don’t let your immigration or insurance status prevent you from getting help. By law, all hospitals and doctors must provide medical care to those who need it, regardless of how much money they have, or if they are covered by private insurance or Medicaid.
Other non-income factors may also apply, like if you are pregnant, and don’t have a job or other healthcare coverage.
Bottom Line
Whether or not you qualify for Medicaid depends on where you live, how much money you make, if you have kids, and if you have any disabilities, among other factors. The only way to really find out if you are eligible is to contact your local Medicaid office and apply.
We wish you a successful journey toward getting you and your family the healthcare coverage that you need. Stay tuned for more posts about Medicaid, SNAP, and other government assistance programs.
