How Medicaid plays into an overall healthcare plan doesn’t have to be complicated. In this article, you will be helped to understand all of the viable plans at your disposal.
Many Americans rely on Medicaid every year in order to visit a doctor when necessary. So what are the most important things to understand before looking into it for yourself? A quick and easy-to-understand overview of the program is as follows:
- What Is The Program?
- Who Can Take Advantage Of The Program?
- How Do You Apply?
- Can You Use It If You Are Also Enrolled In Medicare?
- Can You Get Dental Insurance As Part Of Medicaid?
- Will This Cover All Of Your Medical Expenses?
What Is The Program?
Medicaid is a health program that is designed to aid those who may not have the financial resources necessary to receive quality healthcare. It operates at both the federal and state levels of government making it a slightly different program depending on where you live. It has existed since 1965 and currently helps approximately 70 million Americans per year.
Who Can Take Advantage Of The Program?
There are two main factors that determine whether or not you are eligible for this program. The first is the size of your family. The second is the total annual income of the household. The number of people in your family determines what income level you fall into.
You must be below that amount to qualify for the program. Seniors who live on a fixed income that fall below the qualifying levels are also eligible to apply. Thousands of seniors take advantage of this fact every year. Because a portion of the program is run through the states, it is important to look closely at your specific home state’s eligibility information.
How Do You Apply?
Applying for Medicaid is relatively easy. There are two main ways to gain access to the program. The first is through your state-run program if you feel that your income level makes you eligible. The second way to find out is through the Health Insurance Marketplace. It is here that you will find out whether or not you are truly eligible for the program.
Can You Use It If You Are Also Enrolled In Medicare?
Yes, you can have dual enrollment in this program with Medicare. This is helpful for all of the seniors who may not have the retirement funds to afford the high medical costs associated with aging. The same income rules hold true for those seeking to dual enroll. If you suddenly have access to a pension or other funds that put you over the income limit, you may no longer be able to stay enrolled.
Can You Get Dental Insurance As Part Of Medicaid?
Because it is a partially state run program, the answer to this question depends on where residents call home. Some states offer dental programs as part of the comprehensive package while thers offer it for a fee. Unfortunately, there are some states that do not offer dental coverage of any kind. For exact answers, it is best to contact your state authority on the matter.
Will This Cover All Of Your Medical Expenses?
The short answer to this question is no. Federal regulations mandate that certain healthcare measures are fully covered. Other procedures are left up to the states to decide whether they are fully covered, partially covered, or not covered at all. Mandatory coverage includes services such as inpatient hospital services, physician service and x-ray services.
Non-mandatory coverage includes things such as prescription drugs, physical therapy and personal care services. You will need to check with your state to find out exactly what is and isn’t covered for your program.