Do You Qualify for Medical Assistance?
(3 of 7)
Do You Qualify for Medical Assistance?
Medical Assistance, or Medicaid, is a government health program for low-income individuals, families and children. There are 79 million Americans covered by Medicaid, according to its Website.
Medicaid is a type of insurance that covers hospitalization, prescription drugs, doctor’s visits, vaccinations, glasses, and many other healthcare services. It is a federal program that is administered by individual states. To sign up, contact the local Department of Public Welfare or Medicaid office in your community.
Things To Know
- Medicaid eligibility has been expanded for residents of many states.
- Qualifying for Medicaid coverage depends on your family income, marital status and health situation.
Medicaid eligibility
The standards to qualify for Medicaid vary from state to state and depend on several factors. These include your income, marital status, number of dependents in your household, and the health issues of you and your family members. Income eligibility is based on the federal poverty level, which in 2024 is $31,200 for a family of four. Depending on where you live, you may qualify for Medicaid with more income. Some individuals and families may qualify for Medicaid based on medical conditions or participation in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability program.
Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid has been expanded, but not all states are participating in this expansion. Those states that have expanded Medical Assistance have higher income limits. Check with your local Medical Assistance office for more information.
Other Medical Assistance programs
If your family makes too much money to qualify for either traditional Medicaid or expanded Medicaid, children up to age 19 may be covered under the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Like Medicaid, CHIP is a federal program that is administered by the states.
Each state sets different income levels for covering children through CHIP. You can have more family income than it takes to qualify for Medicaid and still have your children qualify for CHIP. Depending on where you live, your income could be two to three times more than the federal poverty level.
CHIP programs in some states provide prenatal and hospital delivery care to pregnant women. Benefits under CHIP include coverage for hospitalization, prescription drugs, doctor’s visits, medical tests, immunizations and well-child checkups. Some states provide dental coverage for children through the Medicaid expansion.
