Medicaid is a type of health insurance plan offered to individuals and families in need. If you are able to show that you are unable to pay for medical care, you may be eligible for the program. If you suspect that you qualify for Medicaid, you can apply for the program through your local social services department.
Identification
Medicaid is a federal health insurance program administered individually by each state. Regulations and eligibility vary from state to state. Your state's social services department can provide you a listing of qualifying income levels for Medicaid. In most cases, your income needs to fall below the federal poverty line to be eligible for Medicaid. Maximum allotted incomes are provided by your state based on the number of family members in your household.
Considerations
Even if the adults in the family are not eligible for Medicaid, the children may be covered. In the case that your family income is over the federal poverty line, there are expanded levels for children, the disabled and pregnant women, according to the New York State Department of Health. Certain Medicare recipients, supplemental security income (SSI) beneficiaries and recipients of adoption or foster care assistance may be determined eligible as well.
Benefits
Several types of medical care are covered under Medicaid, among them preventive health services, hospital care, lab work, X-rays, family planning, psychiatric services, medical supplies, medical transportation services, prescription drugs, nursing home care and dental care. If approved for the Medicaid program, a handbook is provided that contains additional details on services covered.
Features
You do not receive money for health care when you are covered under Medicaid. Instead, your health care providers receive direct payments from the program. Depending on your type of Medicaid coverage, you may be responsible for co-payments, coinsurance or deductibles.
Significance
The money that the state pays out for Medicaid is reimbursed by the federal government. The amount paid to each state is calculated based on the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage or FMAP. The per capita income level for the state determines the amount of money paid. Higher income states receive a smaller share than poorer states, according to the Medical News Today website.
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