Medicaid Can Help Offset the Costs of Medical Care and Health Insurance

 

Medicaid was started in 1965 as a program to help the elderly, disabled, and low-income families gain access to health care. The program is funded at both the Federal and State level, but is administered and ran by each state.

 

 

Note that Medicaid is different from Medicare; a program ran and funded by the Federal government which is available to all seniors over the age of 65. Though low income is one of the primary eligibility criteria for receiving Medicaid, it is not the sole deciding factor. 

 

Video: Elder Law and Medicaid

 

Federal Spending for Medicaid 

 

The Medicaid program is often criticized for its high cost. In fact, the cost of providing Medicaid is increasing so rapidly that officials doubt whether the country can keep up with it. A recent report from the CMS Office of Public Affairs projects states that Medicaid spending over the next 10 years to be close to $5 trillion. In 2007, the last year reported, Federal spending on Medicaid was $190.6 billion. That was 57% of Federal spending. The average estimated cost per person is between $6,120 to $14,058.

 

Video: Qualifying for Medicaid

 

Medicaid Eligibility 

 

There are some groups of people who are Federally mandated to be eligible for Medicare. This includes: 

 

  • medicaidPregnant women, single or married
  • Children under 18 in families with limited income
  • Children sick enough to be in a nursing home, but could stay at home with quality care
  • Those 65 and older with limited income and resources
  • Those blind or disabled with limited income and resources
  • Those terminally ill who would like to receive hospice
  • Those leaving welfare who need health coverage
  • Those with high, unaffordable medical bills
  • Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Infants with Medicaid-eligible mothers
  • Children under 6 whose family income is at or below 133% of the poverty level
  • Pregnant women whose family income is at or below 133% of the poverty level

 

medicaid information for seniors

 

Even if you do not meet the Federally mandated criteria for receiving Medicaid, you may be considered “medically needy” and receive Medicaid even if your income is above the limit. Each state has their own criteria for determining which people are medically needy and whether those people can receive Medicaid. 

 

The following chart shows monthly income at 133% above the poverty level. This data is valid for 2009.

 


Family Size

48 States

Alaska

Hawaii

1

$1,200.33

$1,499.58

$1,380.98

2

$1,614.84

$2,018.28

$1,857.57

3

$2,029.36

$2,536.98

$2,334.15

4

$2,443.88

$3,055.68

$2,810.73

5

$2,858.39

$3,574.38

$3,287.32

6

$3,272.91

$4,093.08

$3,763.90

 
Finding Information About Your State’s Medicaid Program 

 

Though the Federal government funds Medicaid, it is a state administered program. That means each state has its own eligibility rules in addition to the mandatory Federal guidelines. 

 

medicaid information for seniors

 

StateHealthFacts.org includes an interactive map that allows you to view complete details about the Medicaid program in your state. 

 

You can find out more about the eligibility in your state by contacting your state’s Medicaid office. The national Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website has a convenient online tool you can use to search for your state’s Medicaid office.