Who Benefits From Medicaid?
Medicaid coverage expands access to health care for low-income children and their families. The law is beneficial for both children and their parents. Children with access to health insurance have better health outcomes and more security in their families. As a result, Medicaid coverage expansions for parents have resulted in significant gains in coverage for children. Medicaid coverage also has many other benefits for children, extending well into adulthood.
One of the best features of Medicaid coverage is its comprehensive coverage. It covers services essential for children’s development, such as hearing, vision, and dental screenings. Moreover, it covers medical services for school-age children with disabilities and includes comprehensive health benefits. Children enrolled in Medicaid also receive immunizations and vision screenings.
After the ACA’s implementation, the number of children without health coverage hit an all-time low of 5%. This is partly due to increased coverage expansions, streamlining enrollment processes, and targeted outreach efforts. Nonetheless, reversing the ACA and a broader restructuring of Medicaid may lead to significant increases in child uninsurance.
Pregnant women-Benefits From Medicaid
According to Health Care Financing Administration data, pregnant women are the most likely beneficiaries of Medicaid. In 1990, the program began to enroll pregnant women with family incomes between 133 percent and 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. The program expanded eligibility to a larger group of pregnant women in the following two years.
Medicaid coverage is vital to many vulnerable groups. For example, in 2015, the program covered 48 percent of reproductive-age women with incomes below the federal poverty level. Unfortunately, noncitizens are often shut out of Medicaid, as federal law prohibits coverage of undocumented immigrants during their first five years of legal residency.
If a state wants to expand Medicaid coverage to more pregnant women, it should revise its eligibility criteria and expand outreach efforts. It should also simplify enrollment and introduce exceptional navigators to help low-income women navigate the system. These efforts are significant for women with limited English skills and at higher risk of going uninsured after delivery.
Seniors
When determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits, the applicant’s financial resources are essential considerations. These resources are countable assets, and the limit varies from state to state. For a single senior, the limit is $2,000, while a married couple may have up to $3000 in countable assets. Community spouses can sometimes keep up to $137,4000 in assets. Assets that do not count toward a senior’s countable assets include their primary residence, automobile, jewelry, clothing, and other assets.
Medicaid is a state-run healthcare program that offers coverage for low-income Americans. Federal and state governments support Medicaid, which pays for many forms of medical care and non-medical support services. These services can include nursing home care and personal care. Because the costs of these services can be so high, Medicaid can help cover a large part of them.
While Medicaid does not cover room and board, it can help seniors afford care. Medicaid will also pay for certain assisted living facilities, including memory care and skilled nursing communities. However, not all communities accept Medicaid.
People with disabilities-Benefits From Medicaid
Medicaid benefits people with disabilities by helping them afford medical care. As a joint federal-state program, Medicaid provides funding for primary medical care, acute care, and long-term services and supports. However, to receive these benefits, people must meet specific requirements. These requirements are called eligibility pathways and are determined by statutory reference.
Currently, Medicaid covers over 10 million people with disabilities. Many of these people are dual eligible, meaning they have Medicare and Medicaid. But most people with disabilities don’t have Medicare coverage. Those under 65 with a disability may qualify for Medicaid if they’ve suffered from a physical or mental condition since birth. Other people with disabilities may qualify for the program because of illness or injury.
If you think you qualify for Medicaid, create an account on the Marketplace, and answer “yes” when asked about your disability. The Marketplace will then send your application to your state Medicaid office. It is important to note that Medicaid does not include SSI Disability payments when calculating your income.