Medicaid for Women

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.
The key eligibility categories for Medicaid 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.

Medicaid offers some special coverage for women.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment (BCCPT) programs are available to eligible women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through their state’s screening program. You may be eligible for these programs even if your income exceeds the Medicare limit in your state.

Special coverage may also be available for pregnant women with limited income. Although Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women varies by state, all states cover pregnant women with individual incomes up to about $20,000. Most states extend eligibility to include pregnant women with higher incomes. Some states, meanwhile, cover pregnant women under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

If you are a Medicare dual eligible individual (eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare), 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’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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