Medicaid
Medicaid is a welfare program that provides free health insurance to people with low incomes and resources. It is designed to help people pay for some or all of their medical bills. Medicaid does not provide medical assistance for all poor people – other eligibility criteria also apply.
The program is jointly funded by the federal government and the states, and although the federal government establishes guidelines for Medicaid, each state is responsible for implementing and managing its own program. Due to this, the eligibility criteria vary by state, and a person who is eligible for Medicaid in one state may not be eligible in another state.
Medicaid Eligibility
The general Medicaid eligibility criteria include:
Your age, whether you are pregnant, disabled, blind, or aged.
Your income and resources (such as savings accounts or property).
Whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant (your child may be eligible for coverage if he or she is a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant, even if you are not).
Medicaid Office
To determine if you are eligible for Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid office. Note that each state may have its own name for the program, so don't be surprised if it is called something different.
July 31, 2010
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