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Requirements to Qualify for Medicaid in Clark County, Nevada

Low-income families in Nevada face multiple challenges in any economic environment. Medicaid is the largest program providing quality health care to needy people meeting eligibility requirements. Medicaid is often confused with Medicare. Medicare is available to any person 65 years or older; Medicaid is based on financial need or disability.

  1. Citizenship

    • Medicaid applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents. They must also be Nevada residents. The applicant or a designated representative must verify his identity by presenting original documentation to the Welfare Office. Front office personnel are permitted to verify the documentation. An original birth certificate is most common, but other approved documents are valid if a birth certificate is not available (see References 1). The applicant may have to order a replacement birth certificate in some cases since copies are not acceptable.

    Income Requirements

    • A Nevada Medicaid applicant's earnings must fall into the approved income eligibility range. Those 65 or older, blind or disabled need to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Parents of dependent children ages 6 to 19 must earn at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For children ages one to five, the income qualification is at or below 133% of the FPL. Pregnant women and children under a year old are at or below 185% of the FPL (see References 2). Case workers will provide details specific to each case.

    Variations

    • Various programs are presented on the Nevada Medicaid application. Non-disabled children, pregnant mothers and parents should apply for Family Medical Coverage (FMC). Medical Assistance for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MAABD) is an option. A Nevada resident can apply for Food Stamps (FS). Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is another portion of the program. Face-to-face interviews are required in order to receive TANF or food stamps.

    Application

    • Even if you are not sure whether you would qualify for Nevada Medicaid, fill out an application. Leave it up to the workers to determine your eligibility. If you don't qualify, you can always reapply at a later date. A parent who is not a citizen can still apply for her child who is a legal U.S. citizen. Applicants complete the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Application for Assistance and return it to the local welfare office. Documents pertaining to residency, earnings, expenses and resources are required (see References 3). Every person living in the household must be accounted for on the application. Accurate social security numbers are mandatory. Questions can be referred to the Las Vegas district office at 702-486-1550.

    Assets

    • Applicants for Nevada Medicaid must prove that their assets are sparse. An asset is a commodity that can be converted to cash. Examples include stocks, bonds, bank accounts, boats or certificates of deposit. Assets do not include items such as furniture, jewelry or clothing. A Medicaid recipient may have no more than $2,000 in checking and savings accounts. He cannot own more than one house, nor may he own more than one car. There is no "asset test" for the Family Medical Coverage Medicaid Program. Eligibility is based on income, residency and citizenship only for pregnant mothers and children through 19 years of age.

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