Do You Automatically Qualify For Medicaid With A Disability?

If you are already receiving Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) benefits, you are typically accepted for Medicaid. If you are residing in a state in which Medicaid is available, that state has already agreed by law to provide individuals receiving SSI with full access to Medicaid benefits. Supplemental Security Insurance is given to low-income individuals who cannot work due to various reasons, including old age or suffering from a long list of disability requirements.

Medicaid benefits based on disability are provided to a large range of people. Individuals under the age of 65 are eligible for Medicaid if they live with a disability they have had since birth or living with a disability brought upon them by injury or illness. Disability is a broad term referring to physical issues, developmental disabilities, or severe behavior disorders, including mental illness. If you suffer from any one of these disability examples, chances are you already qualify for Medicaid assistance.

What Is Medicaid?

All 50 states within the United States, along with U.S territories and the District of Columbia, participate in Medicaid to offer low-income people of all demographics access to affordable health care. Medicaid was signed into law in 1967 via the Social Security Act and had been serving the American people for over 50 years. At its inception, Medicaid was intended for the elderly 65 or older, although it has recently been adjusted to benefit a wide range of younger individuals. Once the Affordable Cares Act was passed in 2014, Medicaid became available to low-income people who earn less than 133% of the Federal Poverty Level with no restrictions on age.

People who have blindness, disability, or are age 65 or older are exempt from the income-based requirements. Eligibility for these groups of people is typically based on Supplemental Security Income eligibility practices.

What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is benefits distributed to individuals in need monthly. These benefits help disabled or blind children, and adults of all ages receive money to help with bills and other financial aspects of daily life. Although many assume SSI is only for adults age 65 or older, there are many branches of SSI benefits available for disabled children and young adults. You may also qualify without a disability if you are age 65 or older.

Eligibility for SSI benefits is based on your specific situation and the needs required to live a comfortable lifestyle. Visiting the U.S Social Security Administration website can give you more in-depth information about how SSI benefits can best help you along with all the eligibility requirements for your situation. Individuals can apply directly on their website or have someone apply for them if needed. For more information on SSI, please visit Supplemental Security Income (ssa.gov)

How To Apply For Medicaid

Medicaid is a low-cost or free health care program for low-income individuals over 18 who have children or have a disability. For children under the age of 18, The Children’s Health Insurance Program through Medicaid can prove to be extremely helpful. Qualification standards are centered towards low-income families and individuals, although having a disability will not require an income minimum.

Applying for Medicaid can be done through the Health Insurance Marketplace or your local Medicaid office. Once eligibility is determined, the Health Insurance Marketplace sends your information to your residing state’s agency, at which point they will contact you. Plans and coverage details vary state by state but are designed to keep costs low. Some Medicaid programs opt to pay for your medical care themselves, while other Medicaid programs go through private insurance companies.

Finding Medicaid programs in your state can be done on the Medicaid site and is a great place to start the application process. Being informed on the programs in your area gives you a better understanding of exactly how much Medicaid can help you. Many Medicaid plans offer home visits from a nurse, prescription assistance, and doctor visits monthly. More info on Medicaid can be found here:  Medicaid.gov: the official U.S. government site for Medicare | Medicaid

Conclusion

In most states, If you are eligible or receiving Supplemental Security Income, you are automatically qualified for Medicaid assistance. While having a disability without receiving SSI does not automatically enroll you in Medicaid, it is one of the eligibility requirements taken into consideration when determining plan coverage. Having first applied for SSI will speed up the application process for Medicaid since they operate under the same federal guidelines.

Staying up to date on all the programs available to help disabled and low-income individuals have access to health care can make a huge leap towards living a comfortable lifestyle. Even if you do not think you qualify, you should apply! Many states have variations in their eligibility requirements, which means you may not qualify in one state, but you may in another.

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