Medicaid is a great resource if you’re eligible for it. Knowing whether or not you qualify for Medicaid can be a long and frustrating process of paperwork, never knowing where you stand. We’re going to try to answer some of the most common questions people have about getting Medicaid.
Do You Have to Be Working to Get Medicaid?
It depends on your state, your age, your level of disability, and several other factors. In most cases, you do not have to be working to qualify for Medicaid. You simply have to meet certain financial requirements. For a long time, there were no work requirements. However, a new policy in 2018 made it possible for states to require work-related activities for a specified number of hours each month.
Moreover, people who are over the age of 65, who are pregnant, or who qualify for Medicaid because of federal disability assistance do not ever have to work to qualify.
Of course, this change in policy has been controversial. Why? It is estimated that 80 percent of enrollees who would normally be required to work are unable to due to illness or injury. These individuals usually are acting as a primary caregiver, or a student.
Can You Get Medicaid Under 65?
Yes, anyone from infants to seniors is eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is primarily an income and disability-based federal health coverage program. Children and pregnant women are commonly eligible. Children cannot work and the law excludes pregnant mothers from the work requirement.
What Makes You Not Eligible for Medicaid?
Medicaid coverage gets primarily determined by looking at the state you live in. Other factors include the number of people in your home, and the total income your household will make in the current year. How do you know if you qualify for Medicaid? Healthcare.gov has an easy-to-use tool that will help you determine if you are eligible for Medicaid.
If you make too much money for the size of your household, you will be ineligible for Medicaid. This is according to the rules set by your state.
The rules for Medicaid vary by state, and the laws change frequently in the Medicaid program. Some administrations focus on expanding Medicaid and some want to tighten the limits on Medicaid. The Department of Health of your state, or the United States Department of Health, will have the most up-to-date resources. This way, you can determine if you can get covered by Medicaid.
