What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a federal government program to help provide healthcare coverage to certain categories of people who have low income and few assets (other than the home they live in). Among those covered by Medicaid are people over 65 and those with disabilities. Each state runs its own version of Medicaid, with slightly different rules and coverage.
The Medicaid program has several different parts:
- Medicaid medical coverage includes most common forms of healthcare, as explained in this article. Medicaid medical benefits cover at least the same healthcare services that Medicare does, as well as some services that Medicare doesn't cover. Medicaid also pays Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments for people who are enrolled in both programs.
- A separate part of Medicaid covers long-term nursing home care.
- Special Medicaid-funded programs cover long-term, in-home personal care. Income and asset eligibility rules for these long-term, at-home care programs are usually quite a bit looser than for regular Medicaid medical coverage.
- In some states, a Medicaid-related program can pay some of the cost of assisted living.
Finding out about your state's Medicaid programs
To find out exactly what Medicaid and Medicaid-related programs operate in your state, what they cover, and who's eligible, contact a local office of your state's Medicaid program. To find a local Medicaid office, go to the federal government's Benefits.gov website and choose your state. This will take you to a page with contact information for your state's Medicaid program and information about local offices.
Is it true I will lose my home if my husband has to go into a care facility. He has Alzheimer's Disease and I had a stroke (bleeding on the brain) and I am the soul caregiver. My mother passed 2 days before I had my stroke. My husband was diagnosed in 2004 We don't have any money only our house. thks aj
None of this info relates to low income Seniors in Western Canada. I was looking for assistance with what is available for affordable housing in the area where I live, on a site called Senior Zen. I am 73 years young with complex health problems and reading some of the postings on this site is heart wrenching. We also have problems with our Federal, Provincial and Municipal Government's when it comes to helping Seniors who can barely make it each month. I have to say this is a Global problem, where "The Rich get Richer the rest of us can go to Hell in a Handcart". Those at the top will always survive. Governments have taken away for many , HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. In Canada, there is an association called " Grey Power" an advocacy group which works very hard on the behalf of Seniors, trying to make life more liveable in areas of increasing the Canada Old Age Pension, the allowable increase is at the present time tied to the cost of living index, which amounts to around 3 cents per month as I understand. I have also had to visit our local "Food Bank" for assistance and survived as a Single , Divorced Mother with 2 Children to raise working on a low income each month. I can relate to how difficult it is to just scrape by each month. I pray for all Seniors in North America no matter what their circumstances are at this time (2012), to be respected in their needs in order to make life in their Senior years less stressful.
They left off one detail. NOBODY takes medicaid!!! At least not in Florida.
I have tried to get my 90 year old mother on medicaid so she could go to a nursing home to be cared for. She has been refused because she owns 5 acres of land in another state that she lived at 4 years ago. The mobile home she lived in has been demolished by theives and it is a total loss. I am 62 years old and taking care of her. She has altizmers in the later stage. She needs help with everything. From bathing ,eating, to wiping after going to the bathroom. I have to lift her out of bed and into a wheelchair to care for her. She has fell a few times but lucky no broken bones. I have talked to her doctor about getting her in a home but he said it is up to the nursing home to accept her. The nursing home won't take her because she doesn't quailfy for medicaid. Why is it this great country of ours can send a murderer to prision and give them health care and dental care plus pay them to stay there and they won't even take care of the seniors who have supported the goverment all their lives? I think something is very wrong in this country if we can give billions to countries overseas and not take care of our own people first.. Thanks for listening .
All these stroies are touching. The problem with Medicaid is that it is going to bankrupt the States. As a healthare provider I can tell you we no longer take Medicaid patients because the reimbursement is less than Medicare and that is poor. I have seen way to many people taking advantage of the system to get free healthcare because they say they have no money. They have no money because they have a $700 truck payment, a $300 cell phone bill and buy cigartettes and alcohol. Is there ANY personal responsibility. Medcaid is for people that TRUELY need it, not a way to get free care.
Here I am again with an update. It is now June 2011 and I have a new diabetic med--Actos, I think it's called. I originally was supposed to get Januvia but it cost $140 and was not covered by Medicaid, so I told the doctor I couldn't afford it, to find me something else to do the same thing and that was covered. He found Actos--but you can imagine my reaction when I found it cost even more--$170!! But it's covered by Medicaid, so I only pay $3. I go to the clinic, see a dietitian, a doctor, and get blood work every three months. I see them again in August. I also get weighed each time I go in and was put on a lower-calorie (1600, as opposed to 1800) diet. I also got new packaging on another of my meds--it has a blue plastic container with the pills in a push-pack inside it. I pull it out and push out the pill(s) I need. I do that with two of my meds now.
Hello malibu69, Thank you very much for your comment. If you'd like to post your questions, you can do so in our Ask & Answer section, here: ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
my mom is in a nursing home in ny eventually she will get medicaid however she does get a small pension and social security when medicaid is in effect does the pension and ss go straight to nursing home or to medicaid . how does that work?
Hi anonymous, Thank you very much for your question. Here is an Ask & Answer page that may help to answer your questions: ( http://www.caring.com/questions/401k-and-medicaid-eligibility ). I hope that helps! Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
I have been sick for more than 2 yrs. Prior to my illness, i worked non-stop for 32 yrs.I have thyroid, 4 bulging disc, angina, fibromyalgia,cyst in liver, growth on adrenal gland, chronic anxiety attacks, leaking mitral valve and had heart attack in 2009. I also had surgery in 2010 and experience 4 or 5 episodes of ventriclar arrest. My spouse and I have no income as of April 16.2011. My benefits with ESC exhausted. I had more than 150,000 in medical bills. I had Cobra insurance, but that also expired. Am I eligible for medicaid. I cld local office and was told unless you have a child in home under 18 or if I"m not 65 that I was not eligible for medicaid. The only money we have to our name is my 401k that i'm in process of requesting. My question is : Am I eligible for medicaid if I have money in 401k? Is this money considered as assets?
Hi dark%lovely, Thanks for your comment. If you'd like, you can post your question in our Ask & Answer section located here: ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
how can I qualify for medicaid while waiting to be approved for disability?
Medicare/ Medicaid information was helpful. I am so glad I rcently found this site.
Hi sweet tina, Thanks for your question! I think the best place to get your answer is in our Ask & Answer section located here: (http://www.caring.com/ask). I hope that helps! Cute screen name by the way :) -- Emily
DOES MEDICAID COVER CYMBALTA?
Hi Anonymous, Sorry to hear about your situation. That's tough. Unfortunately, we don't have much information about foods stamps, but you many be able to find some useful information here: (http://www.ehow.com/about_7551268_pennsylvania-stamp-program-income-qualifications.html). I was able to find some information on assistance paying for dental work here: (http://www.caring.com/questions/financial-assistance-for-dental-work). I hope that helps -- Emily
how do i know what the limits of income for food stamps or dental servicein pa? i get 1087.00 a month fron ss i give my partner 500.00 a month to live here also pay my phone and hospital bill( i had a stroke) i am 73 how can i get any help i need a dentist bad
If your assets or income are too high to qualify, that does not mean you need to spend all your assets on medical care before you can qualify or that you are forever ineligible if your income is too high. A Medicaid planning attorney can help you explore what planning options are available to you. Also, keep in mind that just as the requisite asset and income levels permitted are different in every state, the type of Medicaid planning available is state and sometimes county by county specific.
Excellent, I needed a clear and concise definition of Medicaid.
Hopefully it's up-to-date. That's hard to do in this state where the ravages by insurance companies wreak havoc on consistency, on rules that were in place but that big money was able to pull the rug out from under. Big money owns the electeds, who feel forced to do what those businesses demand. It is the basis of capitalism to throw us off, to take away, to deny, to confuse, to change what was so what we thought suddenly is useless, leaving us subject to mistakenly purchasing, thinking today's rules apply like yesterday's. It is the basis of capitalism that a few entities/individuals will run us mass through the wringer at every turn. It's called profit, it's achieved by competition - who competes best - creates the most effective rules by which to rob us - appearing to serve us - done with the aid of madisonavenue techniques - wins, is able to continue that 'business'. These are called 'the economy', as though it is uncontrollable, like hurricanes et al. That's because our electeds and the business/people lie to us. If we rise against them they kill us. Better, they send members of our communities off to die and kill other people, restricting us to continued service to this brutal system here 'at home'. Capitalism is not a victimless crime. You can see it if you just look around. You are no different from all the other people victimized at one or another low level of living - all of us.
Hi Anonymous, here's some information that might help answer your question about medicaid and your home. (http://www.caring.com/questions/can-medicare-take-your-home). If that didn't fully answer your question, I encourage you to ask your own question in our ask and answer section (http://www.caring.com/questions/new). Thanks for you question! -- Emily | Community Manager
I have a question about medicaid planning in California. My mother's only asset is her home. I understand that medicaid will put a lean on the house and take their money after her death. Several co-workers have told me there is asset protection. That legally you can protect her home from asset recovery. Is anyone familiar with this?
To UPSET DAUGHTER IF YOUR MOTHER IS IN A PRIVATE CARE ASSISTANT LIVING THEN SHE MUST HAVE MONEY TO PAY AS A SELF PAY....WHEN SHE RUNS OUT OF MONEY AND IF SHE HAS LIFE INSURANCE SHE MUST TURN IT OVER TO A FUNERAL HOME AND SHE CANNOT HAVE RESOUCES OF MORE THAN 1500.00 TOTAL...BUT A HEADS UP HER PRIVATE CARE ASSISTANT LIVING WILL NOT ACCEPT MEDICAID AND SHE WILL HAVE TO BE MOVED TO A PLACE THAT DOES ACCEPT IT. AS LONG AS SHE HAS THE MONEY TO PAY IT DONT WORRY..
Correction: Medicare is the name for federally funded health benefits for those over the age of 65...not medicaid.
Knowing what they will cover when I am 65... and to know the income levels that qre acceptable for both........
I don't know what state you are in Bonneville, but most adults are denied Medicaid unless they qualify for SSI. With your Graves disease you may qualify for dual eligibility under Medicare/Medicaid but you need to fill out the forms for SSI disability. You will also need medical records so you should talk with your doctor about the application process. Hope this helps.
Iam 33 years old female and I just filled for medicaid and food stamps for me and my 2 children . I have Graves's disease and I recieve child support and is not more than 450 a month Iam bearly getting by and my Adult Medicaid was denied please help me find and answer.
I'm a 61-year old permanently disable woman who, like many others, relies on my Medicare Disability ($1,185) as my only means of income. I've worked all my life, sometimes two and three jobs at a time, and somehow managed to squeeze in a college education (although it took quite awhile). I guess my point is..I worked hard and sacrificed much so my daughter and I could have a financially stable life and not worry about having enough to pay the rent each month. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my life taking the turn it has. But after 10 operations and having to go on disability, that's where I am. C'est la vie. Just goes to show..."the best laid plans of mice and men"... I'm making it, but just barely. After paying living expenses, I have about $100 a month for everything else - gas, toiletries, etc. etc. I do get $65 in Food Stamps each month. As far as Medicaid goes, I've been able to qualify but have never been able to get it renewed after the first three months because I have to meet a deductible of over $2000. Right now, my main problems are my teeth and vision. Medicare doesn't cover either one. How can a person stay healthy if they can't eat or see where they're going. My teeth are breaking off at the gumline since my body is no longer capable of absorbing nutrients. My weight has dropped from 150 lbs. to 102 lbs. (I'm 5'7"). My eyes are so dilated from the meds I have to take, I've gotten hurt several times from not being able to see what I'm doing. I live in Winston-Salem, NC and, so far, haven't found any resource that helps with either one. I don't like complaining (although I've done a lit of it here). I always feel guilty when I do. I'm so grateful that I have a roof over my head and a warm place to sleep at night when there are so many who don't. I guess I'm just afraid I might dry up and blow away and not live to see my grandchildren grow up. That's the most important thing to me. Thanks for giving me a place to vent my frustrations. Many blessings to all of you and to your family and friends who are in need. Namaste
I'm in my 50s and have a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure. I take meds for these and high cholesterol, niacin (500 mg) and two types of diabetes meds. I even take the same kind of meds my folks did for HBP!! Well, to get to the point, I recently got SSI and with it, Medicaid. I only pay a 50-cent co-pay for my covered prescription meds. I also have food stamps, so that helps a lot on my household food bill. I even get stuff for them on occasion. I feel pretty lucky overall; now if I could only find affordable housing... I presently live with friends because I can't but am not giving up. (I went to a free clinic in a neighboring city for a while and got meds through them but they recently sent me to a Medicaid-covered clinic once I told them I had SSI.)
Prayers butterflyrebel
I am 62 had to quit work to take care of my 90 yr old mother who has Alzheimer's. I canceled mom's Part D because it was a big rip off. I now get her generic drugs at Walmart (mailed to the house free) cheaper than under Part D, and I buy her two brand name drugs from online Canadian company as generics not available her in the US, for a fourth of the price of her part D plan. It went from $3,000 a year down to $400. I never expected anyone or any government agency to help me. I know better. I recently found out that if I continue to care for my mother at home and apply for Medicaid when we need help, here in Florida they will count my miserably small social security check as income in considering her since we live together. Florida considers a live in related caregiver as "household" in their income eligibility. I can only get help for her if I put her in a nursing home. At least we still have a home, food and our health (except for her mind gone). I feel lucky compared to some people. And as one post said very aptly, we dig deep and cheap. I never expected life to be easy, a challenge yes, but not easy. While I wish there was help for all of us, I also know the more government involvement, the more taxes I will get to pay, the lower quality of my life. Be careful what you wish for.
Prayers Pattiburroughs
I have a grandma who is 97 years of age and a aunt who is 80 , both live in the same house. They are no longer able to care for themselfs, They both are on medicaid A & B how do i go about getting paid for being their caregiver?
Hugs LindaSD, LindaSD
I have a 24 yr old son who is very depressed and suicidal and can't hold a job, current no job. I want to get him help, looking to see if he would be able to get medicaid for mental health services...
I am afraid at almost 70 there is little hope for us seniors especially with the administration today. If we are not around then they don't have to pay us social security. We are expendable. His czars have carefully worded that. There will be no hope in medicaid, medicare or anything when it comes to the seniors. Please check out this part of the obamacare package that was never read by congress - or, obtain the books regarding seniors. As a senior, unless God intervenes - we will have less to no care and no benefits. Procedures to help us live longer or save our lives will be negative and we will be told no - sorry....yes there is a death panal. Oh yes there is.
I didnt get the new benefits for COBRA, have been paying $1521.00 a month for years. With social security and the limitations on work, I am working for free. Im having to draw money out of the money Id hoped to use for retirement. I cant go on much longer at $18 grand a year for COBRA. Am using credit cards for food and prescriptions and other things I cant buy. I have to keep my credit cards open because food and insurance etc. comes before my home. I have never in my life seen times as hard as this. No going out to eat in years, even for a taco. My kids are in a mess financially too and I cant help them. Neither planned on this, just like I had no clue. And there are heartless swine calling asking for me to pay a bill, and I am a day or so late waiting for SS check. I have never been so scared. I thought these were the golden years. If people would buy cars from Detroit, it would surely help, my aunt use to say as Detroit goes, so does the country. I have always bought American, yet I suffer. Tax those foreign cars and those people having more children then we can afford to pay for.
The information on asset allowance and income limits was helpful...I also had no idea what Medicaid spend-down was. This article helped me to determine that it would be a good idea to at least contact DSS for more information.
in my state Medicaid is the best covered insurance going. period.
yeah we would have a bit more money for the medical if we would get rid of the mpc's in your state. They pay more to their lawyers to fight you on procedures paid for by medicaid. Like they did me, I received a lysis of adheasions from my pain management doctor after a screwed up back operation that I didn't need, and medicaid paid for it 3 times, when Unison came around they paid more to their lawyer to try to say it is an unecessary procedure and made me go to 3 state hearings before they let Uniscum pay it
I am trying to help my sister who is a widow. I cannot find out what the income requirement is to apply for Medicaid. She is buying her single wide mobile home and has a car payment and sits with an elderly man. Can someone offer some useful info to help her. Thanks
I'm also getting SSA with medicaid and medicare but with food stamp huh only getting worth 6 dollar a month How can I lived with that I have eaten one meal a day with lighter like a diet I did had someone help me to file appeal 4th time and was put off then they sent me reapply with I already did last two months ago what on earth had DCF do ? I'm waiting on from dcf and if that's dosen't solve then I'll contact with legal aid lawyer to see any helpful.
very helpful
all of it
Tray Canada We got them from thear for years a lot cheeper, I no longer have the name of the company that we got them from but I will see if I can find it You can find them on the internet We do not take them anymore we just take over the counter supplement Colestoff and slow Niacin good luck I hope this helps and yes do check with the pharmecutical comp. phyzer and others they do help if you are on low income My husband used to get free Alsheimer meds Aricept and Namenda but he has now medicare and part D now he can not get them anyemore good luck hope it will help you
for Norma0694 Try Canada for your collesterol meds My husband got them for years from there a lot cheaper, he no longer takes them. just over the counter once you find them on the internet I do not have that info anymore hope this helps good luck
I have $800 in ss benefits - I am on medicare and aarp-can't afford to pay any more - will I loose all health benefits Am I eligible for medicaid - ?? I am 67 yr old, cancer survivor, and suffer from depression -
I'm 46 years old,without a job. Just found out I have a cataract on my left eye. I can't afford this. I hope someone could give me information.
What would happen if Medicaid turned us down and our funds were running out? My parent is in a private pay assisted living community and we have applied for Medicaid but still have funds. I'm very concerned that if we get turned down what would we do? Would my parent need to come live with me??
i just got a letter from my coverage and they have included some new things that i can have medicade pay for . I guess there is big differances from state
The reality of health care reform as passed by congress will be setting in real quick in ohio by requiring you to purchase the pre existing healh care you will still have to go without your medications because it will take all your income to pay for the health insurance and the end result is because you dont have any money to pay your rent utiltiies buy your food and medicines the end result is you will lose your job if you have one and then your insurance will be cancelled because you cant afford to pay for it, you will end up in the hospital anyone because of no money for the necessitys.
under the new health care plan it is only going to cause more hardship at least the plan they proposed in ohio
I would double check the COBRA stuff, I recently looked into COBRA myself after changing jobs, and my monthly premium was $470.00 which obviously I could not pay! Still without insurance currently :(
TO THE LADY WITH NO HEALTH INSURANCE. YOU CAN COBRA IT FOR 15 MONTH S FOR ABOUT 200. THANKSTO OBAMA.
I am 45 years old. I suffer from clinical depression,physical problems,bi-polar, anxiety attacks,asthma allergies, high blood pressure and heart attack. I had to quit my job at VMS ("or be fired") since I was missing too much work due to my various illnesses. Consequently I have no income while I am trying to find employment. I also have large prescription bills (over 1000.00) per month. I could use some help at this time, please.
medicaid saved my ass. i had mersa.thats all i got to say about that.
Hugs twostix
I'm 61 years old,after braing injure,stroke,seizures desorder,high blood pressure I become incapacitated to work and lost every thing ,home,business,401 K I have a disability income of $1.066.00 a month to cover all my housing,medicines,transportation etctr etctr. Where can I go for some financial help?
Reply to Norma0649. I use Community CCRx PDP, P. O. Box 5203, Rensselaer, NY 12144-5203. If you have any questions you can call toll-free 1-866-684-5353 or visit www.CommunityCCRx.com. I hope this will help you. It has helped me a lot. I do not have money either.
IT DOESNT MATTER WHO GETS IT MEDICAID OFFICE IN INDIANA DOESNT CALL YOU BACK ANYWAYS THEN THEY SAY WE TRIED CALLING AND IVE GOT PHONE RECORDS SHOW DIFFERNT WELL YOU MISSED YOUR APPOINTMENT SO WE HAVE TO START ALL OVER WHICH IS THERE B.S. WAY OF GETTING OUT OF HELPING PEOPLE WHO REALLY NEED IT LIKE ME
BERTHA. several of the drug companies will give you FREE drugs with proof of need and a prescription from your doctor. I got mine for a year before Walmart and everyone started selling mine for 4.00. that was cheap enough so i dropped myself out of it but it really helped alot. try: RxAssist. AstraZeneca, Pfizer
I am a 64 year old retired female. My medical coverage was cancelled as of 5/31/2010. I have a monthly income of $1600.00 a month. With medication and bills I can't afford the premiums wanted for insurance. I will not be eligible for Medicare until 4/6/2011. I take medication for Depression and High Cholestrol. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the Medicaid information. I'm 20 years old and I'm not sure if I'd qualify. My husband and I do have a low income because I'm the only one working and he's in school. We did qualify for the food share/food stamp. I don't know if that would affect me being able to get Medicaid. Neither one of us has any illnesses. I'm not sure what to do or how to get Medicaid really...any suggestions? Thanks.
I am 61 and had to retire from the work force at the age of 43. My disibility is to the point that it is hard to walk. I have been on it for some time and really have had no problems when i needed to se a specialest. I think ours is one of the best in our country,
Medicaid also covers emergency medical for illegals - as well as their births - and they are not required to prove their income is low.
Thank you very much for caring about others, and enhancing the quality of life for all people. GOD Bless you, and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Thank you very much for Medicaid info. I'm 70 and to the point where I thought I'd never be: having to choose between prescriptions and groceries, etc. So I am looking for assistance. Take meds for diabetes, thyroid, cholestrol, hi blood pressure, seizures, heart and more. Am no longer able to work and cannot stretch pension and Soc. Sec. any further. Medicaid might be the answer?? Thks.
Here's another idea: fix America's LTC system before it's too late. Give Medicaid back to the poor, put Medicaid planners out of business, and unleash the potential of private financing alternatives like insurance and reverse mortgages. The moral: save, invest and insure all you can, especially for long-term care. Because LTC is what you'll need as Medicare pays less and less for fewer and fewer acute care services just to stay in front of the grim fiscal reaper.
Just need to dig a lttle deeper