Medicaid Eligibility Rules

Medicaid is essentially a federally funded program that provides health care and medical care payments for those who can't afford it. The funds that pay for medical services are paid directly to the health care provider. Rules and eligibility for Medicaid varies by state, as everyone is not eligible for Medicaid.

Pregnant women

Women who think or know they are pregnant should apply for Medicaid, even if they are married. You and your child will receive Medicaid if you were already on Medicaid before your child was born.

Children and Teens

Parents or guardians of children and teenagers can apply for Medicaid if they have limited income or if their child needs nursing care. Teenagers who live on their own may also qualify for Medicaid, as well as young adults younger than 21 in some states.

Elderly, blind and/or disabled people

Those who are elderly, blind or disabled may apply for Medicaid, especially if they have limited funds. Those who are terminally ill and need hospice services can also apply for Medicaid.

Supplemental Security Insurance

Supplemental Security Insurance is available to those who are elderly or disabled and are not able to work because of their limitations. This is also a government-funded program available to those who are considered low income.

Other eligibilty factors

There are also some other optional eligibility factors to qualify for Medicaid. These include Hurricane Katrina refugees, tuberculosis-infected people who are low income and certain people who are below the level of poverty set by each state.

References

• Medicaid overview
• General eligibility

Resources

• Medicaid questions