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.
I recommend that you bring all your brother’s diagnosis documents and proof of Medicaid coverage in Adams County to your local Denver County Medicaid Office and reapply for coverage. You need to show strong proof of your brothers condition.
Keep in mind that “In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In some states the program covers all low-income adults below a certain income level – https://www.healthcare.gov/do-i-qualify-for-medicaid/#howmed
This is a very critical situation – To get immediate care while waiting for Medicaid I recommend your father getting low-cost health care at a Community Health Center near you.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) health centers provide low cost health care through county clinics. Even if you have no health insurance or can’t get Medicaid you only pay what you can afford, based on your income.
HRSA Health centers provide services such as:
Wellness checkups.
Diagnostic and treatment when you’re sick
Pregnancy care
Children immunizations and checkups
Prescription drugs and dental care
Substance abuse care and mental health services
HRSA are federally-funded health service centers that provide care for you, even if you have no health insurance or cannot get medicaid. Remember, you only pay what you can afford, based on your income. You can find a local clinic at this link http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx