What Does Medicaid Cover?
Medicaid is a state- and federally-funded government health program for people with lower incomes, elderly people, people with disabilities, and some families with children. Each state administers its own Medicaid program, and recipients must be American citizens or legal permanent residents.
Although each state 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 in every 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 other than the home are examined to determine whether a disabled individual qualifies for Medicaid.
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.
To be eligible for Medicaid, 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.
Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. 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.
Although Medicaid coverage varies from state to state, a wide range of medical services are covered across the country. Specific services covered by Medicaid include:
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Health screenings for children and treatment of detected medical problems
- Comprehensive dental and vision services for children
- Adult medical and surgical dental services
- Nursing facility services for adults
- Health clinic services
- Prescription drugs
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy for children
- Eye doctor visits and eyeglasses for children
- Case management and mental health services for children
For further information about Medicaid coverage, visit Medicaid’s Home Page. If you’d like information about 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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