Definition of Public Health Insurance

Public health insurance provides services and medical care for certain low-income individuals and families who meet specific requirements. Medicaid is the United States' public health insurance program administered by each state and is available for qualified men, women and children. Each state establishes its own eligibility and service guidelines. Medicaid covers certain preventive services and necessary medical care and procedures due to illness or injury.

Eligibility

• According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), eligibility may start three months retroactively from the date of a service application. Coverage usually stops at the end of the month when the individual meets eligibility requirements. Check the CMS website for specific eligibility requirements and services.

Requirements

• There are certain mandatory eligibility requirements even though eligibility varies by state. These requirements may include age, whether you are pregnant, disabilities, blindness, income level, personal assets and citizenship. Each state determines the rules to calculate income and resources.

Special Rules

• There are special rules for nursing home residents and disabled children living at home. These situations are also determined by state.

Children

• Children may qualify for Medicaid public health insurance benefits even when parents or guardians are excluded. A child's eligibility is based on the child's status and not the parent's situation.

Non-Exclusive Eligibility

• Individuals who qualify for Medicaid are not excluded from qualifying for other governmental programs or health services. Check the Medicaid website to determine other state-sponsored governmental programs offered in addition to Medicaid.