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Kansas Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

Kansas residents who cannot afford health insurance can apply for Medicaid coverage. Medicaid is the federally funded statewide insurance program designed to provide health care to certain low-income individuals and families. There are eligibility guidelines and requirements that must be met to receive coverage. After determining you are eligible, visit the local office of the Kansas Department of Social Services to apply.

  1. Citizenship and Residency

    • You must meet the citizenship and residency requirements to be eligible for Medicaid. The Kansas resident must be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant. Applicants who do not have proper citizenship documentation cannot enroll in the Medicaid program.

    Eligibility Groups

    • Kansas Medicaid is offered to children, parents or guardians of children, pregnant women, individuals over age 65 and to the physically challenged and visually impaired. Medicaid is also available to those who receive SSI benefits and those who require long-term care. If an individual exceeds the income limits, she may be eligible for coverage for the medically needy. To be declared medically needy, she must meet the income guidelines after subtracting medical bills from her monthly income.

    Income

    • Income requirements are based on the number of household members. Each eligibility group is limited to a set percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In 2011, the FPL is $10,830 for a single person. All sources of income are counted. For example, child support, Social Security, interest from accounts or investments and wages from employment are all calculated to determine the monthly income. If you are applying for Medicaid for an infant, the household income cannot exceed 150 percent of the FPL. The income restriction is limited to 133 percent of the FPL for families with children under the age of 5. Pregnant women cannot exceed 150 percent. A pregnant woman is considered two household members. The FPL for two household members is $14,570. A medically needy individual can receive 66 percent of the FPL, while a medically needy couple is allowed 49 percent.

    Assets

    • There are asset restrictions for some eligibility groups. Pregnant women and children do not have to pass the resource test. Elderly, disabled or blind individuals and low-income adults are subject to income restrictions. Applicants are allowed $2,000 in countable assets. Couples can possess $3,000. The limit applies to SSI recipients and nursing home applicants also. The home is exempt as long as it is the primary residence. The vehicle, personal and household items and funeral or burial expenses are also excluded from the resource limit.

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