I am receiving workers compensation… would I qualify for Medicaid?

Q) I’m currently not employed and I am receiving workers compensation checks every week, but the checks will stop as soon as my treating injury doctor releases to work somewhere again. I don’t have any other health insurance even though last job offered insurance of the Hippa plan. I can’t afford it since it has extremely more than tripled to obtain it; which I can’t afford to pay. Would I qualify for Medicare or Medicaid at all.

A) It is possible that you could qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, people with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicaid is a state-based health insurance program for low-income individuals and families.

To qualify for Medicare, you must meet certain age, disability, or ESRD requirements. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet certain income and asset requirements.

You can apply for Medicare or Medicaid by contacting your state Medicaid office. You can also apply for Medicare online at www.medicare.gov.

If you are not sure if you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, you can contact your state Medicaid office or the Social Security Administration for more information.

Here are some additional things to consider:

• If you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you may be eligible for Medicaid even if your income is above the normal eligibility limits.
• If you have a disability, you may be eligible for Medicaid even if your income is below the normal eligibility limits.
• If you are pregnant, you may be eligible for Medicaid even if your income is below the normal eligibility limits.

If you are not sure if you qualify for Medicaid, you should contact your state Medicaid office to find out more.