The high cost of private health care has made several Americans consider other options. Medicaid is one of those options but it is not designed for everyone. This health care program is designed for those who cannot afford health care expenses including pregnant women, children, disabled individuals, and low-income families. If you fall in any of the group mentioned, you may want to consider applying for this program.
However before you do so, it makes sense to understand how the program works and how to apply. In this article, I’ll shed some light on what Medicaid is, how it works and how to apply.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is an insurance program designed for individuals who cannot afford health care expenses. These individuals ranges from seniors, low-income families and disabled individuals. In some states, pregnant women and children are added to this category. Medicaid is jointly funded by the state and federal government.
Worthy of note is that, not everyone will enjoy Medicaid benefits. Whether you qualify for this program depends partly on whether your state has widened its program. Medicaid benefits vary fairy between states.
You can apply for this government-funded health care program anytime. If you are eligible, your coverage can start pronto, any time of the year.
Who is Medicaid for?
The Medicaid program is designed for specific groups of people. These people include:
- Pregnant women with inadequate income
- Children of low-income families
- Children in foster care
- Individuals plagued with all sorts of disabilities
- Seniors with low income
- Parents or caregivers with inadequate income
States may decide to expand eligibility to other groups of individuals, such as individuals with low income who may or may not have children
The Medicaid Application Process
You may apply for Medicaid in Brooklyn in the ways stated below:
- NY State of Health. The Official Health Plan Marketplace (855) 355-5777
- Managed Care Organization ( MCO)
- Navigators and certified Application Counselors
- Medicaid Helpline (800) 541-2831
- Local District Social Services Offices
Before applying for a Medicaid, it is important that you determine your eligibility status. If you cannot do that, contact a Medicaid attorney for assistance.
Also, it is important you know that where you apply for Medicaid will depend on your category. Your category might be single, childless couples, pregnant woman, parent(s) and caretaker relatives with dependent children, elderly and/ or disabled.
The Marketplace, (NY State of Health) will ascertain the eligibility of applicants using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Rules. Generally, income is counted with similar rules as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with little differences. Person Applicants may decide to complete their application online, in person with a navigator or certified application counsellor, by mail including by phone.
The following persons are meant to apply for Medicaid care benefit in the Marketplace, (NY State of Health).
- Adults (not pregnant) and aged 19-64, not eligible for Medicare
- Pregnant Women and minors
- Children of ages 1-18, and
- Parents including caretaker relatives
If you fall in the category listed below, ensure you apply with your Local Department of Social Service (LDSS).
- People age 65 and older, who aren’t parents or caretaker relatives, when age is a condition of eligibility
- People whose eligibility is based on their disability or who request coverage for community based long term care (CBLTC) services, and those persons with an urgent need for Personal Care Services (PCS) or Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS).
- Medicare Savings Program (MSP).
- Medicaid Buy-in for Working People with disabilities enrollees (M BI-WPD)
- Ex Foster Care Youth
Need an Elder Law Attorney?
Do you wish to apply for Medicaid but don’t know how to go about it? Or do you have an elderly loved one who requires long-term care but have no idea of what Medicaid is, how to apply and its requirements? If you answered “yes” to those questions, you need the help of a Medicaid attorney or an elder law attorney.
Where can you find one?
Contact us and we will provide you with the best Elder Law Attorney who will answer your questions regarding Medicaid and provide you with the help you need.
