Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. It is the country’s single largest medical insurance source today. Certain groups of individuals participate in Medicaid, and states can extend coverage to additional individuals.
A person might hesitate to apply for this federal program. They worry about the qualifications and the difficulty of applying. Fortunately, a person can receive help with your Medicaid application and eligibility. With this assistance, every person who can benefit from this program will be able to do so quickly.
Financial Eligibility
Before applying for Medicaid, a person must determine if they meet the financial qualifications. The Affordable Care Act changed how income is viewed when determining if a person qualifies for this government healthcare program. The program now uses the modified adjusted gross income for all programs. Doing so makes it easier for people to know what they qualify for. When using this methodology, a person looks at their taxable income and tax filing relationships. There is no asset or resource test. However, some people are exempt from these rules, including those who are disabled or blind.
Non-Financial Eligibility
Individuals wishing to obtain Medicaid must be a residents of the state where they apply. They must be United States citizens or qualified non-citizens. Specific factors limit certain eligibility groups. When applying, a person should ask for help if they need assistance determining if they are financially and non-financially eligible.
Coverage Date
Coverage begins on the date of the application or the first day of the month the individual applies. Some benefits are covered retroactively for up to three months. However, this retroactive coverage is only given to those eligible during those 3 months. Coverage ends when a person no longer meets eligibility requirements and will be finalized at the end of the month.
Medically Needy Individuals
Certain individuals may qualify for a medically needy program and obtain Medicaid. Their income would otherwise omit them from this program, but they exceed the spend-down amount. When they do so, they become eligible for the program. Individuals whose income is too high to qualify for Medicaid based on their blindness disability or age should see if their state also has a medically needy program that will allow them to spend down and become eligible for the program.
Appeals
Many people initially find that their Medicaid application is denied. They have the right to appeal this decision. When doing so, they may wish to seek legal advice or hire an advocate to work with them on fighting the denial. As there are many reasons an application may be denied, this outside help will allow the applicant to determine what changes need to be made to increase the likelihood of them being approved for this government assistance.
Why is Medicaid Important?
Research shows individuals who do not have medical insurance are more likely to have worse outcomes and higher costs. They do not receive preventative care promptly and often lack a primary care doctor they can see. Furthermore, they do not use resources optimally. Obtaining Medicaid can improve their health and give them continuity of care. Their overall well-being will improve.
The Medicaid application process may feel overwhelming, but it shouldn’t. Help is available if a person knows where to turn. Request this help and begin the application process today. Those who do so may have medical coverage in less time than they thought possible.
