We are on medicare. My wife is 66 and disabled. Could my wife qualify for Medicaid?

Q) We are on medicare. My wife is 66 and disabled and is being treated for cancer. The drugs she is taking is currently covered by a grant to cover our copay which amounts to $1,000 mo. Next year the grant may run out. Our combined SS income is $24,060. I’m planning on working part time with an additional income of $6,000. We currently have $35,000 in savings (half is in her name). Could my wife qualify for Medicaid? We live in Illinois. Thank you.

A) Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility for Medicaid varies depending on the state you live in, and the specific rules and regulations of the Illinois Medicaid program.

In Illinois, Medicaid is known as the Illinois Health Connect program and it is available to individuals and families with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For a couple in 2022, the income limit for Medicaid is $24,938.

Your wife may qualify for Medicaid if her income and assets fall within the program’s guidelines. However, there are certain assets that are not considered when determining eligibility for Medicaid, such as your primary residence and personal possessions. In Illinois, Medicaid also allows for certain amounts of assets in savings and checking accounts, as well as life insurance policies and burial funds.

Additionally, Medicaid programs in Illinois also offers a Medicaid spenddown program, also known as the Medicaid Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) program, which is designed to help people with high medical expenses and limited income. Under this program, a person may be eligible for Medicaid coverage even if their income exceeds the state’s limits, as long as their medical expenses reduce their countable income to within the state’s limits.

It’s important to note that Medicaid eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, and you will need to provide detailed information about your income and assets to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), the agency that administers the Illinois Medicaid program.

It’s recommended that you contact your local Department of Healthcare and Family Services office for more information about Medicaid eligibility and the application process. They will be able to provide you with detailed information about the program and the specific requirements for eligibility in Illinois.