Covering the costs of medical care has long been a struggle for Americans. With those costs constantly rising, it’s even more of a challenge today, and it’s likely to become increasingly difficult moving forward. Medicaid was developed with that issue in mind. This program, which is a joint effort between the federal government and state governments, covers medical expenses for people who qualify. It helps provide access to medical care for people who can’t afford it and aids in preventing people from going into debt over medical expenses.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid?
Medicaid is available for many people in a variety of circumstances. It’s offered to children under the age of 18, pregnant women, those who have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer, and people with a long list of disabilities. It’s also available to people over the age of 65 and who need nursing home care.
In general, Medicaid was designed for low-income families and individuals. With that being the case, income largely determines people’s eligibility. Not all types of income factor into the program’s eligibility requirements, though, and properly and thoroughly filling out the application can make a significant difference in whether a person is deemed eligible. Having assistance applying for Medicaid is recommended to improve your chances of being approved.
Specific income-related eligibility requirements vary by state, household size, and certain other factors. An applicant’s income is generally compared to the poverty level in his or her state of residence. If you have valuable assets, those may be counted as income and affect your eligibility.
What Does Medicaid Cover?
Numerous types of medical care are covered by Medicaid for those who are eligible. It covers preventative care, sick visits, vaccines, and prescription medications. It can also cover the costs of dental and vision care, hospital stays, physical therapy, mental health services, and long-term care. It likewise covers family planning services, diagnostic screenings, and many other medical needs.
Though Medicaid’s coverage is extensive, it may not apply to all types of care. It generally doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures, fertility treatments, and elective surgeries. It may not cover weight loss treatments that aren’t considered medically necessary, either.
Those are only a few of the general considerations. Keep in mind that there are different types of Medicaid, so your coverage may differ. If you qualify, you’ll receive more in-depth information about what you qualify for. Still, for qualifying care, it usually covers the entire cost. with no copays, deductibles, or other expenses to worry about.
How to Apply for Medicaid
To apply for Medicaid, you’ll start by filling out the basic application. You can do this through your state’s Medicaid agency or the Healthcare.gov website. You’ll need to provide your name, age, address, Social Security number, income, and other details. You’ll be asked for information about your typical monthly expenses as well, such as rent and utilities. You’ll also be asked about your health, chronic medical conditions, and disabilities.
Aside from the application itself, you’ll be required to provide quite a bit of paperwork. That includes proof of your identity, income, residence, citizenship status, medical conditions, and long-term care needs among other points. This can be a complicated process, and many people who should qualify are initially denied due to mistakes on their applications and paperwork errors. As mentioned, having professional help with the application process can greatly improve your chances of qualifying for Medicaid.
