How To Apply for Medicaid

While Medicare is a federally operated program, Medicaid is a state-operated program that obtains assistance from the federal government based on the socioeconomic status of the state's residents. It is important to realize that each state has its own criteria for eligibility. Essentially, Medicaid is a program that is available to specific low-income families that fit into specific eligibility restrictions that are designed by the state and the federal government. But, there some issues that you will want to know:

1. Medicaid does not pay money directly to you; rather, in most cases, it sends the funds to those providers with whom you have had contact.

2. There are a number of qualifications for receiving Medicaid, including your age, whether you are pregnant, disabled or blind.
3. When choosing to apply for Medicaid, honestly evaluate your financial situation as it will appear to the people reviewing your application. If you own a new or relatively new car, your chances of getting Medicaid assistance are decreased. If you own a home, keep in mind that such property is worth money and could affect your case for receiving Medicaid.
4. Over the past few decades, Medicaid has been but one of the many federal and state programs that have undergone overhauls. Essentially, until Congress passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (commonly called the "Welfare Reform" program) in 1996, all immigrants regardless of citizenship were eligible for Medicaid. A year later, Congress passed the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or the SCHIP. With respect to these two legislative actions, there are some general rules that govern eligibility for Medicaid. Listed below are some basic requirements:
   • For those immigrants who entered the United States before 1996, both Medicaid and Medicaid SCHIP programs are available (with the exception of Wyoming).

   • For those immigrants who entered the United States after 1996, there are specific restrictions that apply during the first five years.
   • While it is true that Medicaid is a state-funded program, it is regulated and also funded by the federal government. An excellent web site to visit regarding Medicaid and immigrants is The Guttmacher Report.

   It is very important to realize that each state has its own programs and, therefore, it will behoove you to visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website for more information. You'll find a picture of the individual states, including the territories. Simply click on your particular state to access information.

How do you apply for Medicaid? Can you apply online?

In order to apply for Medicaid, you need to contact your local Social Security Office, the Welfare Department in your city, or Department of Health and Human Resources. Application methods vary from state to state. Even if you can apply online, for example, sometimes you still must visit an office in person to present your needs. Consulting the aforementioned online resource that depicts the U.S. map with state-specific information will help you to determine with certainty the application procedure of your state.

Here are some other important points to understand about Medicaid:

1. Your child may be eligible to receive Medicaid assistance even if you don't fit the requirements. This is one reason it is very important to check with you individual state "Child Medical Services" department.

2. If you are one with a low income and have children to support, you should check with your local Medicaid office for guidance. Information can also be found in the aforementioned website that depicts a picture of the United States - all you really need to do is click your state.
3. Many states also provide you with a card or some other means of buying food. At no time should you share this card with anyone else. Like Medicare, there is always a certain risk of fraud, and it is your responsibility to report such fraud if you know of any.
4. If you ever need an ally, ask your health care provider. I have written many letters in behalf of my patients and almost every time, I received a positive response.