Medicaid is a government program designed to serve as a health care safety net for the low-income population. Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state governments.
Who Is Eligible For Medicaid?
Eligibility for Medicaid varies from state to state. Some factors in determining eligibility include the applicant's age, whether or not the applicant is pregnant, blind, or disabled, and the applicant’s income and assets.
If you are unsure as to whether you might be eligible for Medicaid, the best way to find out is to contact your state's Medicaid office.What Does Medicaid Cover?
Again, coverage under Medicaid varies from state to state. ALL programs must cover hospitalization, physician visits, and long-term care. Other services, including prescription drug coverage, are optional. States may choose to provide this optional coverage to Medicaid beneficiaries if they wish, but are not required to do so.
Additional Resources
You can download Medicaid-at-a-Glance, a brochure produced by the federal agency which oversees the various state Medicaid programs. This brochure contains a chart showing the differences in coverage provided among the state programs, and provides helpful information on eligibility requirements.
Also, the Kaiser Family Foundation has an online database for Medicaid coverage by state.
And FamiliesUSA has a very helpful consumer assistance program locator, which allows you to search for programs in your state that can offer advice and information about all types of health coverage, including Medicaid.
