Enrolling for Medicaid
- What Medicaid is
- What requirements you will need to be eligible
- How to apply for Medicaid
- Tip for filling out the Medicaid application
Our goal with this article is to share our first hand experience with applying for Medicaid during the unprecedented year of 2020 and the new challenges Medicaid is facing.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a public health insurance program funded by the U.S. federal government and administered by states to provide its low-income citizens and legal immigrants with standard health care coverage.
It covers hospital stays, doctor visits, long-term medical care, and other health costs. Since it is administered from state to state, income criteria and benefits coverage may differ.
Eligibility Requirements for Medicaid
In addition to being a citizen or qualified non-citizen, you must meet certain requirements to receive Medicaid. These requirements differ according to the state.
Many states limit Medicaid to low-income pregnant women, children, elderly or disabled people, but you may be eligible as a low-income adult if your state has expanded care.
How to Enroll for Medicaid
To enroll for Medicaid, all you need to do is contact the state Medicaid agency of the area where you are residing, then fill out an application either through the state’s medical website or through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
If you apply through the health insurance marketplace, the federal government will notify your state agency if you meet the qualifications, your state will contact you about enrollment.
Also, most states allow their applicants to print out paper applications they could submit through the mail, fax, or in person.
Understanding the Medicaid application
Understanding the Medicaid application process as well as the benefits covered in your state is crucial.
Before going ahead to fill out the Medicaid application form, ensure you contact your state’s Medicaid agency or visit your state’s health website to learn about the program benefits and requirements.
Medicaid serves an important role in ensuring that most people have access to good health care. Before enrolling for the program, be sure to check with your state’s health agency.
If you feel you qualify, you can go ahead to fill out the application form as instructed. Make sure you understand what Medicaid offers in your state along with the eligibility requirements before applying.