Medicaid
Medicaid health insurance is a government sponsored program similar in nature to Medicare. However, unlike Medicare, the bulk of funding for Medicaid comes from state governments, which spend approximately one quarter of their annual revenues on providing Medicaid services in their area.
To qualify for Medicaid, individuals must meet eligibility requirements as set out by state government. Individuals and families classified as low income earners are eligible but must meet a second set of strict criteria administered by the state they reside in which relate to age, disability, income and savings, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status and more.
Those individuals that normally qualify for Medicaid regardless of the state they live in include:
- Pregnant women and children under the age of 6 who reside in households below 133 percent of the national poverty level
Medicaid health insurance covers its members by sending direct payment for services rendered to healthcare professionals. While the federal government is responsible for establishing Medicaid guidelines, it is up to each state to administer the program. As a result, some states require members to make small contributions toward their medical costs depending on the type of healthcare services used.
To receive Medicaid insurance, individuals must apply at their local Social Services Department and provide evidence of their personal circumstances. Applications are reviewed by the state and coverage can be applied retroactively.
Medicaid has been criticized by some non-profit and advocacy groups in recent years for failing to provide medical coverage for all people classified as low income earners. Low income is the main requirement, however people must still meet secondary criteria and this is strictly controlled. An individual who has personal savings above a specified amount will not be eligible for Medicaid until they have exhausted their resources. Medicaid also provides only limited services for those suffering from HIV and an individual must have advanced stages of HIV and AIDS before receiving full Medicaid sponsored treatment.
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