Medicaid Healthcare For The Uninsured in The US

By: EconomyWatch Content Team   Date: 3 February 2010

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If you cannot afford private health insurance and do not receive it through your workplace then Medicaid Healthcare is worth a look. Medicaid is a program of health insurance that is for American citizens who cannot afford to buy private medical coverage or do not have it through their employers.

If you are wondering if you qualify for Medicaid then the answer is that you may be covered if you fall into any one of these categories- if your medical bills are very high, and/or if you receive a Supplemental Security Income (SSI). There are also certain age, income, disability and resource requirements that may deem you eligible for such.

In order to apply for Medicaid Healthcare you can either apply online, over the telephone or make a visit to your local department of social services. When you go to the Medicaid office for your application interview you need to bring a number of items with you. These include:

·    Proof of age
·    Proof of citizenship (or immigrant status)
·    Recent pay stubs (at least three or four)
·    Proof of income (a job, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI),  Veteran’s Benefits (VA) or retirement)
·    Bank books and insurance policies

·    Proof of where you live
·    Medicare Benefit Card
·    Insurance benefit card or policy

Please note that it does not matter whether you are a citizen or have immigrant status, if you are pregnant or if you require treatment for an emergency medical problem then you would be eligible for Medicaid Healthcare. You must meet other eligibility requirements as well.

A variety of services are paid for by Medicaid insurance. However some may not be covered based on factors such as your living arrangements, your age, your financial circumstances, and your family situation. It is also worth noting that some Medicaid services come with small copayments. Some of the services covered include health care and dental care (as well as preventative care for both), hospital inpatient as well as outpatient services, laboratory services, X-ray services, family planning services, clinic services, nursing home care, emergency ambulance service, prenatal care, smoking cessation help and medical supplies and equipment. These are only a few of the services covered by Medicaid Healthcare.

If you cannot afford to purchase a health insurance policy through a private company and you meet the requirement of Medicaid then you should find out what this state funded healthcare program has to offer you and your family. Be aware that the entire process may take some time and you therefore may not be covered for a matter of weeks or possibly months until the policy begins. 


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