Are You Eligible for Medicaid?
When you reach the age of 65 or become disabled, you are eligible for Medicare, but when are you eligible for Medicaid? Medicaid eligibility, unlike Medicare s, is not automatic.
Medicaid is a government funded health insurance program like Medicare. The difference is that Medicaid is intended for people with low incomes, financial hardships, and certain medical and mental disabilities. Medicare is a program like Social Security that is really the right of every citizen to enjoy because they helped pay for it during their working life. Medicaid is a social welfare program intended to give aid to the poor and less fortunate citizens.
The Medicaid program is not funded entirely by the Federal Government, nor is it administered exclusively by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The individual State governments share in the administration and in the funding. In some cases, local communities are involved in the funding process. Each State was given the option to participate in the Medicaid program or to decline. At the present time every State has chosen to participate. Some States have given their own names to the program.
Since each State was given options, the eligibility requirements differ from State to State although they are all subject to certain general guidelines established by the CMS offices. It is still necessary to contact the State office in the State where you reside to get the exact details for eligibility. There is one common thread and that is inability to pay for normal health insurance.
Inability to pay can be because of low income or because of physical disability. The State guidelines will determine the income level for eligibility and these guidelines are fairly strict. Certain restrictions cover such things as making gifts of your home or residence in order to qualify as having no tangible assets. Although Medicaid fraud is not unheard of, it is not as common as many think because of the diligence of the States.
Medicare and Medicaid are not mutually exclusive, however. It is possible to be eligible for both. Medicare is intended for all citizens when they reach the age of 65 or become disabled regardless of income. It is known as dual eligibility when a person qualifies for both programs. Medicaid fills a definite social need, but no one should be unhappy that they do not meet the eligibility requirements for it.
Learn more about California medicare supplement insurance online at UFCAmerica.com.
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