Medicaid Health InsuranceMedicare and Medicaid can be easily confused as they are both government sponsored types of health insurance programs. However, the two programs are designed for very different groups of people. So as not to waste your time applying for the wrong government funded health insurance, it is important to understand the difference between the two kinds of insurance.
Medicaid Health Insurance: The BasicsWhile Medicare is designed to give health care to those 65 and older as well as people with certain disabilities, Medicaid is designed to assist people with low incomes. Medicaid is sponsored by the federal government as well as state governments. Because of the states’ involvement, Medicaid will be slightly different in each state around the country because the states are allowed to modify the rules and benefits slightly while still following the federal government’s guidelines. For instance, some states may offer Medicaid health insurance to individuals that don’t qualify for Medicaid by the federal standards or they may offer additional benefits.
Medicaid Health Insurance: Who is Eligible?Medicaid is designed to provide health insurance for low-income people, regardless of their age. Each state has a specific income level set to determine who will be approved for Medicaid. This income covers any money received from Social Security, pension, a job, or other places. Resources are also included in this income level. Resources are things like a savings account that you own, but your home and one of your cars are not considered resources. U.S. citizenship is also required to be eligible for Medicaid, although emergency Medicaid is available for foreigners as well. Some states may also cover people with very high medical bills or those who need care in a nursing home. These people would not be considered low-income by Medicaid, but they can still receive help with their bills if they are high enough. Medicaid will not cover all of the medical bills, but they will give some assistance.
Medicaid Health Insurance: What is Covered?Medicaid covers medical bills and long term care in a nursing home as required by federal law. The medical bills that Medicaid is required to cover are doctor visits, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, x-rays and laboratory tests, certain screenings, and nursing home and home health care.
Medicaid Health Insurance: Additional BenefitsAs mentioned earlier, states are allowed to go beyond the federal guidelines and provide additional benefits to those on Medicaid in their state. Some states provide community long term care services in addition to nursing home care. Other medical services may also be covered, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, hearing aids, prosthetic devices, and transportation for medical care.
Medicaid Health Insurance: How to ApplyApplying for Medicaid in the state you live in is not difficult and several choices are available. You can visit your local Medicaid office and submit a form there. You can call Medicaid at 1-800-633-4227 and the voice automated system will give you the phone number of the Medicaid office in your state. You may also be able to apply over the internet. When you go to apply for your Medicaid health insurance, you must take with you proof of your identity like a birth certificate, proof of your residence like a utility bill, proof of your income like a pay stub, proof of what you own like bank account statements, and your medical bills. Bringing all of these things to your Medicaid office will make the application process quick and painless so that you can get approved for Medicaid right away.
Medicaid Health Insurance: Get a Free QuoteIf you think you may be eligible for Medicaid and you are interested in learning more, please enter your zip code at the top of the page and we will give you a free comparison quote so that you can make sure that Medicaid is the best choice for you and your family.
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