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Medicaid
Medicaid was started in 1965 and is offered to those who may not be able to afford regular insurance. It is a government supported program and it is controlled by each state, and therefore its requirements will change some with each state. Eligibility also varies from state to state, and it is possible to be eligible in one state and not in another, but the program is under the control at the Federal level. Every state has participated since 1982, and is free to make changes throughout the year. Here is an overview of the Medicaid program.
A Welfare Program
Although Medicaid and Medicare may sound very similar, they are two entirely separate programs with different purposes. Medicare is based on entitlement by having worked for so many years and putting funds from your paycheck into it each year. Medicaid is entirely a program for the poor, or for those who cannot work, to provide adequate health care for them. Medicaid is a much larger program and covers a wider range of services than Medicare.
Who Qualifies?
Medicaid is designed for low-income people. Those included could be those who make below a specified amount, which varies with each member of the household, for pregnant women, and for those who may be receiving SSI benefits. Another thing that may qualify you is if you have a lot of medical bills.
Other factors may make you eligible for Medicaid - even if you make more than the maximum. So, if you have a lot of health related issues, or other financial problems, it may be a good idea to look at the program. It is important to know that any qualification for availability does include all assets that you may own which includes bank accounts, stocks and bonds, property, and other things that have cash value. While states do control a lot of the requirements, the Federal government will not allow you to lose aid from other sources. Many people also qualify for Medicaid who are already on Medicare.
What Are The Benefits?
Basically the benefits bring you total coverage of any health care needs. Other benefits may even include the payment of existing health insurance - if you cannot pay for it any longer. The benefits, which are many includes inpatient and outpatient care, doctors visits, clinic care in rural areas, prenatal care and vaccines for children, family planning services and supplies, lab and x-rays, nurse and midwife services, long-term care, and much more. It also provides for your medicines, transportation to medical services including ambulances in an emergency, dental care, stop smoking products, and even more.
Other Important Notes
Other individuals that may qualify for Medicaid are the blind, children who are in your home in foster care - even if you do not qualify, immigrants with some restrictions, and others. Your age may be another factor. Anyway, the program is available. It makes all payments directly to the medical provider.
If you do not believe that you are eligible for Medicaid, and you still have need for a good health insurance program, then you can obtain a free health insurance quote by going here.
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Free Health Insurance Quotes
By comparing health plans with other rates, you should be able to find the right plan. You can get your free health insurance quotes at the following sites:
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