Medicaid: Are You Eligible?

Medicaid is a government program that helps people pay for medical care and services. But who qualifies—and does that include you? For basic facts about eligibility, read on.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is an assistance program managed together by state and federal governments. It was created to help people who don’t have a high income get quality medical and behavioral health treatment. And to make sure no one endangers their health by skipping necessary care because they can’t afford it.

How Much Does It Cost?

Many Medicaid members pay nothing. Others are responsible for small copayments. Your costs depend on your financial situation, family size and where you live.

Who Qualifies for Medicaid?

Each state has their own rules, but some factors are true everywhere. One is that eligibility depends on the applicant’s income and how close it is to the Federal Poverty Level. Additionally, you must be a U.S. Citizen or qualified immigrant, and you have to be a resident of the state where you apply.

People who are likely to qualify include:

• 65 or older
• Under 19 years old
• Pregnant
• Living with a disability or
• A parent or adult caring for a child

Right Now, More People Qualify for Medicaid Than Ever

If you applied for Medicaid in the past and were turned down, you may qualify now! Financial assistance was recently expanded, so it’s a good time to apply again.

How Do I Apply for Medicaid?

You can apply for Medicaid any time of year. And there are several ways to get started: you can visit the website of an organization that offers Medicaid like Molina Healthcare. Or check out a government website like Benefits.gov.

Even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid, checking it out is probably worth your time. You may be able to get financial assistance with other coverage, such as a Marketplace (Obamacare) health plan.

And if you still have questions, lean on Molina. Visit MeetMolina.com.