Medicaid is administered by individual states and is supported by state and federal tax dollars. It provides healthcare to who cannot afford the costly services of clinics, hospitals, and doctors, and have no other insurance.
Who Is Covered?
In order to qualify for Medicaid, you must meet certain requirements. States set eligibility requirements that are within federal guidelines. These may include whether you are pregnant, have a disability, are blind, or are elderly. In most cases, you also need to be a US citizen or a legal immigrant. The state and federal government also takes into consideration your income, which must be low in order to quality for Medicaid, and resources (eg, property that you own). Children can be covered by Medicaid, as well, but they also have to meet requirements.
What Does My State Cover?
The only way to know what your state offers is to contact your local department of social services. Because the states vary so widely in their plans and whom they cover, it is a good idea to ask specifically about your situation. All states must offer certain mandatory benefits, such as inpatient and outpatient hospital services and family planning services. Optional benefits a state may provide include prescription drug coverage, dental services, and chiropractic care.
What Is Typically Covered?
These are some of the basic needs usually covered by Medicaid to eligible persons:
- Most necessary hospital stays
- Outpatient services provided by certain facilities
- Laboratory and x-ray fees
- Nursing home services
- Family planning
- Doctors' services
- Medical and surgical dental treatment
- Some home healthcare services
- Some home medical supplies and appliances
- Pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care from various sources, including nurse-midwife services and freestanding birth centers
- Some physical, speech, hearing, and occupational therapy
- Approved prescription drugs
- Eyeglasses
- Screening and preventive services
- Some mental health services
- Hospice care
- Transportation to medical appointments
Some states also supply training and employment services to people with disabilities. And some provide wider services, including respite for caregivers who need some time for themselves, and various support systems that permit disabled persons to live in the community or in housing that meets specific needs. The particular services you can get through Medicaid will depend on what your state offers and what you are eligible for.
How Do I Apply?
To apply for Medicaid, contact your state or local chapter of the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for more information.
Virtually all states will require an interview and will ask you for various kinds of proof of eligibility, such as:
- A birth certificate or other proof of age
- Citizenship papers or other proof of legal alien status (Benefits may extend to all children regardless of their parents' citizenship status, as well as to pregnant women and anyone needing emergency care.)
- Pay stubs and paperwork from other sources of income (eg, retirement, veterans' benefits, Social Security)
- A rent receipt or other proof of where you live (People who are homeless are also covered.)
- Other documents including bank books and insurance policies
- Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
- Review Date: 08/2012 -
- Update Date: 08/20/2012 -