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Medicaid Coverage Requirements for Those 20 Years & Under

Medicaid provides an essential service to American citizens in need. As a government program, Medicaid is allocated toward Americans who live below or at the federal poverty line. However, states and the federal government have stipulations about who can receive Medicaid. People under the age of 20 are entitled to Medicaid under certain circumstances.

  1. General Eligibility

    • Except for Alaska, Hawaii and Washington, DC, all of which have their own unique poverty lines, the poverty line is uniform across the United States. Any single person making under $10,830 a year is under the poverty line. States can increase coverage of Medicaid to groups above the poverty line, but the $10,830 is general point of reference for each state's Medicaid system.

      Only certain eligible groups have access to Medicaid when they are at the poverty line. Although some states differ on what groups are considered eligible, the federal government mandates certain groups who must be eligible for Medicaid. These groups include, but are not limited to, people with SSI benefits and recipients of adoption services.

    Children and Teenagers

    • The federal government mandates that all parents already on Medicaid have Medicaid coverage for their children. If a parent does not have Medicaid, the child may still be covered under Medicaid. There are certain stipulations for receiving Medicaid if the parent does not have Medicaid. Children in nursing facilities automatically receive Medicaid. Young adults living away from home may also be eligible. If someone under the age of 20 lives by themselves, an adult may apply for Medicaid on behalf the young adult.

    Disability and Blindness

    • A person under the age of 20 is also eligible for Medicaid if the person has a disability that severely limits his income. Disabilities must be approved by the state or federal government. If a person under 20 years old is blind, then he is automatically eligible for Medicaid.

    Pregnant Women

    • If a woman under 20 is pregnant and lives beneath the federal poverty line, she is eligible for Medicaid. The child born to the mother is also covered under Medicaid. The coverage is available to women whether they are married or single.

    Medically Needy

    • Medically needy people who do not qualify for Medicaid based upon their finances may receive Medicaid if they pay a state-set premium. This policy helps those under the age of 20 obtain Medicaid.

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