Qualifications for Medicaid in Virginia

Medicaid is a government program designed to provide health care services to low-income and medically needy individuals. Each state is responsible for implementing and providing Medicaid services to residents; however, the federal government does mandate that states offer certain services. For example, all states must provide prenatal care, regular health screenings for children, hospital care and home health services for medically needy adults. In Virginia, the Department of Social Services oversees the state's Medicaid program.

Non-Financial Qualifications

• According to the Virginia Department of Social Services, Medicaid recipients must legally be in the United States. The Medicaid manual states that legal status applies to both American citizens and resident aliens. In addition, program applicants must have a valid social security number or submit documentation that they are applying for one. Benefits are available only for Virginia residents who are in a Medicaid-covered group, such as families, the disabled or the elderly.

Families & Children

• Eligibility for Medicaid benefits for families and children is based on the family or budget units as determined by the Department of Social Services. Families qualify for the program based on their income level and assets. According to the state's Medicaid manual, all money the family receives as well as all owned items are taken into account. Income considered during the eligibility determination includes wages, profits, commissions, pensions, alimony, earned interest and rental income. Pregnant women are able to receive prenatal care throughout the pregnancy and medical care for newborns. In addition, Virginia provides services for children such as periodic health screenings and dental care. Family planning services are also covered.

Aged, Blind & Disabled

• Virginia residents who are elderly, blind or disabled may also be able to receive Medicaid benefits. Eligibility is based, in part, on social security income or personal housing and food costs. In addition to social security, unemployment benefits and earned wages are also considered. Elderly or disabled members of religious orders who have taken a vow of poverty can also receive Medicaid; any money they earn as a result of working is considered earned income, according to the Department of Social Services. Members who give other funds to their order, such as veterans' benefits, must still count that money as income. Qualified Medicaid recipients in this category can receive transportation services, home health care, mental health services, nursing home coverage and disability treatment.