If you live in Maryland and are seeking medical treatment but are concerned about how you can afford it, you may have already started to explore your options. Both Medicare and Medicaid are available to the residents of Maryland, but understanding if you are eligible can be a challenge. The good news is that Medicaid has consistent categories for qualification, so if you fit into a category, you have a good chance of acceptance.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a federal program managed by each individual state that allows for low-income individuals to receive the healthcare treatment that they need, even if they would not normally be able to afford it. It offers some care that Medicare does not, such as nursing home assistance and personal care. If you cannot afford your medical treatments due to low income or you are in a qualifying class, you may be eligible for Medicaid.
Eligibility for Maryland Medicaid
Maryland offers Medicaid to individuals based upon their current situation and their income limitations. Your family size and monthly earnings impact whether you are eligible. In addition, if you are a certain age, have a disability, or otherwise qualify due to extenuating circumstances, you may be eligible for Medicaid.
Adult Eligibility
Adults in Maryland can access Medicaid if they are under the age of 65 and do not have dependent children. They must still meet the regular eligibility requirements and income limits. Applications for adults are processed via the Maryland Health Connection online tool. Adults who are pregnant are subject to a different income limit than non-pregnant adults, so be sure to check all the extenuating circumstances. If you are unsure, apply anyway.
Child Eligibility
Children have a number of options for Medicaid coverage in Maryland. Below certain income limits, health coverage is free or low cost. Children are subject to a less restrictive income limit than adults, so they are more likely to qualify and are permitted to do so, even if their guardian or parent does not. Medicaid covers children under the age of 21, and uninsured children under the age of 19 are also covered under the Maryland Children’s Health Program if their household income is too high to qualify for normal Medicaid. If a family’s household income is too high to qualify for MCHP, children may still be eligible for Maryland Children’s Health Program Premium, which offers healthcare coverage for a small monthly fee.
People With Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities are often eligible for Medicaid, and they can even qualify alongside Medicare. Some Medicare applications require a two-year waiting period, and during this time, people with disabilities can qualify for Medicaid to bridge the gap in coverage. If you currently receive Medicare, you can also receive Medicaid at the same time depending upon your income. Unlike other categories, the income limits are different for disabled individuals, which means that they must apply for Medicaid through their local department of social services instead of via Maryland’s online portal.
Those receiving SSI (supplemental security income) are automatically eligible for Medicaid. If you qualify for both SSI and Medicare, you are also entitled to full Medicaid benefits.
Seniors Over The Age Of 65
Individuals over 65 years of age are entitled to full Medicaid coverage if they receive SSI and Medicare. Otherwise, you may be eligible for Medicaid if you meet the financial requirements. Like disabled folks, you must apply through the department of social services instead of through Maryland’s online portal due to the different requirements for this category.
The Best Way To Know If You Are Eligible Is To Apply
Understanding whether you qualify for Medicaid can be a challenge, especially if you are on the border of income eligibility or are waiting for other assistance, like SSI. The best way to figure out whether you qualify is simply to apply for Medicaid, and the state of Maryland encourages you to submit an application, even if you are not sure if you are eligible. Remember to submit your documentation in the correct place: either the online portal or your local department of social services, depending upon which categories you believe you are most closely aligned with. If the Medicaid administration needs further information from you, you will receive correspondence that says so.
Speak To Insight Treatment Center For Assistance With Maryland Medicaid
As you prepare to submit an application for Medicaid, you may be feeling overwhelmed at all the options, regulations, and categories. It is best to seek help from people who are familiar with Maryland Medicaid. Reach out to Insight Treatment Center who would be happy to help you achieve the healthcare outcomes you deserve by offering guidance in the Medicaid application process so that you can enjoy a good quality of life as soon as possible.
