What is Medicaid?

Funded by both the federal and state governments, Medicare is an important health program for people with lower incomes, the elderly, people with disabilities, and some families with children.

To receive Medicaid, you must be an American citizen or legal permanent resident.

Although each state administers its own program and has its own eligibility requirements for Medicaid, some general guidelines apply. State-by-state income requirements vary, but by 2014 most adults under 65 with yearly individual incomes up to about $15,000 will qualify for Medicaid in every state. Medicaid cost sharing requirements also vary from state to state, but Medicare is designed to be affordable in all parts of the country.

Contrary to what many people believe, poverty alone does not qualify anyone for Medicaid. To be eligible, you generally have to fall within a Medicaid eligibility group category. The key eligibility categories include the elderly, the physically disabled, the mentally disabled, severely disabled children, low income adults, and low income children. Although the “low income” categories seem to cover wide ground, it’s important to check into any further eligibility requirements particular to your state.

Currently, people with disabilities qualify for Medicaid in every state.

In some states, qualification for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits automatically qualifies an individual for Medicaid. In other states, income and assets are examined to determine whether a disabled individual qualifies for Medicaid.

Some states offer buy-in options allowing disabled people with incomes not qualifying them for Medicaid to enroll in the program.

Expansion of Medicaid in 2014 will help low income adults with disabilities not qualifying them for Supplemental Security Income and disabled persons whose income exceeds their states’ limits for Medicaid eligibility.

Dual Eligibility

Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. In such cases, Medicare is the primary payer. If you are a Medicare dual eligible individual, looking into Medicare Advantage Plans may be a wise move and a good investment. Call MedicareMall toll-free at (877) 413-1556 and we’ll be glad to help you determine whether Medicare Advantage is right for you.

For further information about Medicaid, visit Medicaid.gov. If you’d like information about Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B), Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage, or any other aspect of Medicare or senior health insurance, contact a licensed, bonded MedicareMall representative and let us lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze.

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