Medicaid is health insurance that helps many people who can't afford medical care pay for some or all of their medical bills. Good health is important to everyone. If you can't afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it possible for you to get the care that you need so that you can get healthy and stay healthy.

 

Medicaid is available only to people with limited income.  You must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid does not paymoney to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your health care providers. Depending on your state's rules, you may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co payment) for some medical services.  (For more information, download "Medicaid At-A-Glance 2005" from the bottom of the page.) To learn about the Medicaid program in your state see Related Links inside CMS at the bottom of the page.

 

Many groups of people are covered by Medicaid. Even within these groups, though, certain requirements must be met. These may include your age, whether you are pregnant, disabled, blind, or aged; your income and resources (like bank accounts, real property, or other items that can be sold for cash); and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant. The rules for counting your income and resources vary from state to state and from group to group. There are special rules for those who live in nursing homes and for disabled children living at home.

 

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 (however, there is a 5-year limit that applies to lawful permanent residents). Eligibility for children is based on the child's status, not the parent's. Also, if someone else's child lives with you, the child may be eligible even if you are not because your income and resources will not count for the child.

 

In general, you should apply for Medicaid if your income is limited and you match one of the descriptions of the Eligibility Groups.  (Even if you are not sure whether you qualify, if you or someone in your family needs health care, you should apply for Medicaid and have a qualified caseworker in your state evaluate your situation.)

 

For specific information about enrolling in Medicaid, eligibility, coverage and services for your State, please contact your local Medicaid office. You can view your State's Medicaid Office contact information by visiting the www.Benefits.gov website (see the link on the CMS home page http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaideligibility/ or check the contact information for State Medicaid offices (see the link on the CMS home page http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaideligibility/.