The above-mentioned program offers the much-needed health coverage to low-income Americans. These include adults, women, people with disabilities and the elderly adults. Unlike other conventional programs offered in the United States, this one is jointly funded by both the state and federal government. As we speak, this program covers 1 in every 5 Americans nationwide.
Medicaid is basically a Federal and state program that offer health coverage in case you have a low income. On the other hand, Medicare is a Federal program that offers health coverage for the elderly. Here, those with 65+ and beyond and have a disability can enjoy health coverage regardless of their income.
Enroll in a Medicated Benefits Program
As far as the enrollment of the Medicaid program is concerned, be sure that there are 2 main ways that can help you get started. Here, you can either choose to contact your state Medicaid agency or better still choose to fill out an application via the Health Insurance Marketplace. If you choose the former option, you must ensure that you reside in that state.
Apply for Medicaid Benefits Program
The process of applying for Medicaid is not difficult per se. Here are the steps that you should follow:
1. Establish that you are eligible for Medicaid in your state
Before you start the actual application process, there is a need for you to establish that you Are eligible to enjoy this program in your state. As far as the eligibility is concerned, be sure that the requirements involved differ from one state to another. However, some of the parameters that are used to determine eligibility in most states include:
- The income levels
- Age of the applicant
- Whether you have a disability or is pregnant
- The number of family members you have at home
2. Gather vital document to use during the application process
After establishing that you are eligible for the Medicaid program in your state, time is ripe for you gather the all the documents that you need to use during the application process. Therefore, before you submit your application form, you need to ensure that you have these documents at hand:
- An official document showing your age.
- Proof of US citizenship.
- A document showing how many assets and resources you possess.
- In case you are disabled, submit an official document that can help proof that fact.
- An official document showing your address or where you live.
- Proof of income such as your Social Security statement, tax return or paystubs, Supplemental Security Income and so forth.
3. Submit your Medicaid application
Once you have both personal and eligibility documents ready, you can now fill in the application form. When it comes to application process, you can either choose online application, paper application or better still visit your nearest Medicaid office and make your application from that end. Once you are done, submit the application form, alongside the personal and eligibility documents mentioned above and wait for a response.
The Benefits of Enrolling in the Medicaid Program
Some of the benefits of enrolling in the Medicaid program include:
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Physician services
- Home health services
- Prescription drugs
- Case management
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
FAQ
What is CHIP?
Formerly known as State Children’s Health Insurance program, CHIP refers to the Children’s Health Insurance Program. With this program in place, children residing in the United States can now enjoy low-cost health coverage and thus reduce the burden of health costs incurred by their parents.
How to Qualify for CHIP?
To be eligible for the CHIP, your child has to be below the age of 19 years. He or she should be a US citizen or meet the much-needed immigration requirements. Your child should also be uninsured and reside in the state where this program is offered. Since the eligibility requirements of CHIP program differ from one state to another, your family’s income and other parameters must meet the specified rules outlined in the CHIP state plan.
What is the Relationship Between Medicaid and CHIP?
Well, Medicaid was meant to offer the much-needed health care not only to adults but also to children from low income families. On the other hand, the CHIP program was initiated in 1997 so as to expand health coverage to kids from low-income families but cannot join the Medicaid program at their age.
Can I Get a Free Phone or Tablet with the Medicaid Program?
Yes. Besides the above-mentioned health benefits, this program allows you to get a free tablet so that you can remain connected with those whom you love, work online, learn online, access emergency health care services, and so forth.
