What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a public health insurance program in the United States that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, as well as people with disabilities and certain other groups. It is jointly funded by the federal government and individual states, and administered by the states in accordance with federal guidelines.

Medicaid provides a range of health care services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, laboratory and x-ray services, and other medical treatments. In addition, many states offer additional benefits such as dental and vision care, home health care, and transportation to medical appointments.

Eligibility for Medicaid is based on income and other factors such as family size, age, disability status, and citizenship or immigration status. Eligibility rules can vary by state, but in general, Medicaid is available to individuals and families with low incomes, including children, pregnant women, and parents, as well as people with disabilities and certain seniors.

Medicaid is a vital source of health care coverage for millions of people in the United States, providing access to essential health care services that might otherwise be unaffordable or out of reach.

Section 1331 of the Affordable Care Act gives states the option of creating a Basic Health Program (BHP), a health benefits coverage program for low-income residents who would otherwise be eligible to purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Basic Health Program gives states the ability to provide more affordable coverage for these low-income residents and improve continuity of care for people whose income fluctuates above and below Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) levels.

Through the Basic Health Program, states can provide coverage to individuals who are citizens or lawfully present non-citizens, who do not qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or other minimum essential coverage and have income between 133 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). People who are lawfully present non-citizens who have income that does not exceed 133 percent of FPL but who are unable to qualify for Medicaid due to such non-citizen status, are also eligible to enroll. read more

The eligibility rules for Medicaid are different for each state, but most states offer coverage for adults with children at some income level. In addition, beginning in 2014, most adults under age 65 with individual incomes up to about $15,000 per year will qualify for Medicaid in every state.

Todays Medicaid

Medicaid today is the government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. It is a joint federal and state program, and eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Medicaid covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health care.

To be eligible for Medicaid, you must meet certain income and asset requirements. You may also be eligible if you are pregnant, have a disability, or are a member of a certain group, such as a Native American or Alaskan Native.

If you think you may be eligible for Medicaid, you can apply online or by contacting your state’s Medicaid office.

Here are some of the benefits of Medicaid:

• Free or low-cost health care
• Access to a wide range of medical services
• Peace of mind knowing that you have health insurance

If you are low-income, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid can help you get the health care you need, when you need it.