Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps pay medical costs if you have limited income and/or resources and meet other requirements. People with Medicaid may get coverage for services that Medicare may not or may partially cover, like nursing home care, personal care, and home- and community-based services. Each state has different rules about eligibility and applying for Medicaid. If you qualify for Medicaid in your state, you automatically qualify for Extra Help paying your Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
You may be eligible for Medicaid if you have limited income and are:
• 65 or older
• A child under 19
• Pregnant
• Living with a disability
• A parent or adult caring for a child
• An adult without dependent children (in certain states) • An eligible immigrant
In many states, more parents and other adults can get coverage now. If you were turned down in the past, you can try again and may qualify.
When you enroll, you may be able to get health care benefits like:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Long-term services and supports
- Preventive care, including immunizations, mammograms, colonoscopies, and other needed care
- Prenatal and maternity care
- Mental health care
- Necessary medications
- Vision and dental care (for children)
You should apply for Medicaid if you or someone in your family needs health care. If you aren’t sure whether you qualify, a qualified caseworker in your state can look at your situation. Contact your local or state Medicaid office to see if you qualify and to apply. To get information about your state’s Medicaid program, visit HealthCare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip.