Medicaid Elegibility Requirements

Medicaid is a government program designed to provide healthcare coverage for those who are low income. With an economy that's unstable and many people losing their jobs and benefits for extended periods of time, some have considered Medicaid a viable option for health coverage. Specific Medicaid eligibility requirements vary from state to state but there are a few provisions to consider when applying for Medicaid regardless of where you live.

Demographic

• The underlying qualification for Medicaid is low financial status. However, the government has categorized several groups of people who will receive preference in qualifying for and optimal use of these benefits including pregnant women, supplemental security income recipients, low-income families with children and recipients of adoption assistance and foster care. If you do not fit into one of these categories, you can still apply and possibly get aid based on your own situation.

Income

• Medicaid was specifically designed to provide low income individuals with health insurance. There is no national, standard cut-off dollar amount to qualify for Medicaid. Each state will determine its own income limits but they will usually be considerably lower than the national poverty level. If you are married and living with your spouse, include your partner's income also, since eligibility is based on household income and size.

Resources

• Resources are not the same as income. Resources are items such as bank account funds, property, stocks and bonds. Each state will vary regarding the limit of resources you can have while still being eligible for Medicaid benefits. Your home, as a primary residence, regardless of its worth, is not usually counted as a resource. In some states, your vehicle may not be counted as a resource if required for necessary activities such as getting to work or doctor's appointments. Most states will usually allow a few thousand dollars in resources but specific amounts vary.

Medically Needy

• Some people who have excessive medical expenses may make too much money to qualify for Medicaid. In some states it is possible for those individuals to participate in a process of "spending down" or subtracting their monthly medical costs from their income, thus making their earnings fall into acceptable income guidelines for qualified Medicaid recipients. Check to see if your state participates in a medically needy program.

Residency

• Individuals who are not in the United States legally do no qualify for Medicaid. Since all children born in the United States become citizens by birth, they qualify for Medicaid benefits in the same way as any other American citizen, regardless of the immigration status of the mother. United States citizens should be residents of the states they wish to acquire benefits in. Your permanent residence usually determines state residency status.