|  | Healthcare Industry | Health Insurance

Adult Medicaid Eligibility

An adult may be eligible for Medicaid coverage if she meets one or more of the federally-mandated criteria. Federal requirements allow each state to set income standards for Medicaid eligibility which a person must meet to be ruled eligible unless other circumstances exist, such as a terminal illness or pregnancy.

  1. Income Requirements

    • Medicaid coverage is extended to you if you meet your state's requirements as a low income resident. Each state maintains it own requirements for meeting this standard, including asset disclosure such as bank accounts, automobiles and any real property. Generally, if your income minus all allowable deductions, such as rent/mortgage payments, utilities and expenses relating to dependent children, falls below your state's income level for a household of your size, you are eligible to receive Medicaid health benefits.

    Pregnant Women

    • According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pregnant women may be eligible to receive Medicaid benefits to cover the expenses relating to the birth of a child, regardless of marital status. The income of pregnant women must be at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify for Medicaid health benefits. As of February 2011, 133 percent of the federal poverty level for a two-person family was a gross yearly income of $19,378.

    Elderly and Disabled

    • If you are over the age of 65, legally disabled or blind, you may be eligible for Medicaid benefits if you meet certain income requirements. Typically, a senior citizen who is receiving Social Security benefits, as the sole source of income, can qualify for Medicaid health benefits. If you are disabled or blind, you may be required to meet the income standards for your particular state. This requirement may be lifted if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income because you are unable to work.

    Terminal Illness

    • If you are diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease or kidney failure, you are eligible to receive Medicaid health benefits. If you are diagnosed with tuberculosis and meet your state's income requirements, you may also receive Medicaid health benefits. However, not every state is required to accept a tuberculosis patient for Medicaid coverage but is required to accept a patient who is in renal failure or diagnosed with ALS.

Health Insurance - Related Articles