Medicaid
Are you eligible?
Many groups of people are covered by Medicaid. Even within these groups,
though, certain requirements must be met. These may include your age,
whether you are pregnant, disabled, blind, or aged; your income and
resources (like bank accounts, real property, or other items that can be
sold for cash); and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted
immigrant. The rules for counting your income and resources vary from state
to state and from group to group. There are special rules for those who
live in nursing homes and for disabled children living at home.
Your child may be eligible for coverage if he or she is a
In general, you should apply for Medicaid if you have limited income and
resources. You must match one of the descriptions below. Note:
Even if you are not sure whether you qualify, if you or someone in your
family needs health care, you should apply for Medicaid and have a qualified
caseworker evaluate your situation.
- Pregnant Women
Apply for Medicaid if you think you are pregnant. You may be eligible if you are married or single. If you are on Medicaid when your child is born, both you and your child will be covered. - Children and Teenagers
Apply for Medicaid if you are the parent or guardian of a child who is 18 years old or younger and your family's income is limited, or if your child is sick enough to need nursing home care, but could stay home with good quality care at home. If you are a teenager living on your own, the state may allow you to apply for Medicaid on your own behalf or any adult may apply for you. Many states also cover children up to age 21. - Persons who are Aged, Blind, and/or Disabled
Apply if you are aged (65 years old or older), blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Apply if you are terminally ill and want to get hospice services. Apply if you are aged, blind, or disabled; live in a nursing home; and have limited income and resources. Apply if you are aged, blind, or disabled and need nursing home care but can stay at home with special community care services. Apply if you are eligible for Medicare and have limited income and resources. - Other Situations
Apply if you are leaving welfare and need health coverage. Apply if you are a family with children under age 18 and have limited income and resources. (You do not need to be receiving a welfare check.) Apply if you have very high medical bills, which you cannot pay (and you are pregnant, under age 18 or over age 65, blind, or disabled).
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