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Government Access Health Care Options

In the United States, there are three types of government provided health care citizens can access: Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Access to government health care is designed to provide for those who cannot afford health insurance or otherwise have no means to access health care.

  1. Medicare

    • Medicare is a government run health insurance program, available for citizens age 65 or older, age 65 or younger with certain disabilities, or anyone with end-stage renal disease that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant. You can get help with medical insurance, hospital insurance, and prescription drug costs through Medicare. The Social Security Administration deals with Medicare eligibility and enrollment. To find out if you are eligible for Medicare, visit the United States Department of Health and Human Services website. It offers an eligibility tool with a dynamic set of questions and answers that will offer you information specific to your situation.

    Medicaid

    • Medicaid is a government run health insurance program available to low-income families and individuals whose eligibility meets certain federal and state laws. Medicaid is administered at the state level, so to find out how to apply for and access Medicaid, visit the department of health for the state in which you reside. Keep in mind that Medicaid does not cover all low-income people, only those who meet specified requirements, which are outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services. You will need to provide proof of your gross income, so be prepared with pay stubs and tax returns when you apply. If you do not meet these qualifications, check with your state's health department, as there are several programs that offer temporary help such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

    The Children's Health Insurance Program

    • The Children's Health Insurance Program provides health insurance coverage for children without access to health care. Like Medicaid, this program is administered at the state level, so to get information contact the health department of the state in which you reside. The program may have overlaps with Children's Medicaid, and is similar in that proof of income must be provided to be eligible. In most states, this program is available to children who qualify and who are less than 19 years of age.

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