How can I get Medicaid?
You may be eligible for benefits through Medicaid. Medicaid programs vary by state, so you will need to check with your state Medicaid office for more information.
- Eligibility: People with disabilities are eligible in every state. In some states, people with disabilities qualify automatically if they get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In other states you may qualify depending on your income and resources (financial assets).
- “Buy-Ins”: Some states also have “buy-in” programs that allow people with disabilities with incomes above regular Medicaid limits to enroll in the Medicaid program. Children with disabilities can qualify for Medicaid either under these disability-related rules, or based on family income.
- Expansion in 2014. Starting in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will expand the Medicaid program to cover people under age 65, including people with disabilities, with income of about $15,000 for a single individual (higher incomes for couples and families with children).
- Help for disabled people: This expansion helps low-income adults who have disabilities but don’t meet the disability requirements of the SSI program. The expansion also helps those whose income is above their state’s current eligibility levels.
Basic Health Program
Individuals are eligible for Basic Health Program coverage if they:
• Are state residents and either a citizen, or a lawfully present non-citizen;
• Have household income (Modified Adjusted Gross Income/MAGI) between 133 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) or, in the case of individuals who are lawfully present non-citizens, are ineligible for Medicaid due to such non-citizen status, and have household income that does not exceed 200 percent of the FPL;
• Are 64 years of age or younger;
• Are not otherwise eligible for minimum essential coverage, including through Medicaid, CHIP or affordable employer sponsored insurance; and
• Are not incarcerated, other than during a period pending disposition of charges.
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I just got proof of pregnancy yesterday and I need to get medicaid so I can get seen by a doctor. I’ve had a miscarriage before so I’m going to be a high risk pregnancy. I need to be seen ASAP
Please call or visit your nearest Medicaid Office as soon as possible to apply for medical coverage. Some state medicaid services allows you to apply for coverage online. Please visit your state medicaid website for more information on online application.
Note: If your state is not expanding Medicaid and you can’t afford a health plan you can get low-cost health care at a Community Health Center near you.
Eligibility
States have the option to extend Medicaid coverage to pregnant women up to or over 185% and most states have done so. In addition, some states have medically needy programs, which allow pregnant women with incomes above the medically needy income threshold to spend down to eligibility if their health care expenses are sufficiently high.
Once eligibility is established, pregnant women remain eligible for Medicaid through the end of the calendar month in which the 60th day after the end of the pregnancy falls, regardless of any change in family income.
Infants born to pregnant women who are receiving Medicaid for the date of delivery are automatically eligible for Medicaid (known as “deemed newborns”). Medicaid eligibility continues until the child’s first birthday and citizenship documentation is not required.
Benefits
Pregnant women receive care related to the pregnancy, labor, and delivery and any complications that may occur during pregnancy, as well as perinatal care for 60 days post partum. States have the option to provide pregnant women with full Medicaid coverage, or they may elect to limit coverage to certain pregnancy-related services.