Medicaid Description
Medicaid is a national public health coverage program. Medicaid serves low income persons and families. According to the Kaiser Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans have Medicaid. People served by Medicaid include children, Senior citizens, people with disabilities, and pregnant women.
Medicaid programs follow guidelines established by the federal government. However, Medicaid programs are carried out by states. Medicaid programs are somewhat different in each state.
Eligibility
To receive Medicaid, you must be a United States citizen, national, legal alien, or permanent resident. You must also have low income. Federal Poverty Income guidelines help determine if a person qualifies. However, the rules are different from state to state.
To determine if you can receive Medicaid, contact the Medicaid program in your state. To find resources for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, go to Applying for Medicaid.
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health coverage to children. Programs are different in each state.
To apply, contact the Children's Medicaid program in your state. To apply for Children's Medicaid in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania, visit Applying for Medicaid.
Many people enrolled in Medicaid have a Managed Care plan. Managed Care is a health insurance plan or health care system that coordinates medical care for members.
With a Managed Care plan, you select a primary care doctor who will coordinate your health care and refer you to specialists as needed. Generally, you will need to visit health care providers within your Managed Care plan's network of providers and hospitals. Managed Care plans pay health care providers directly so you do not have to pay out-of-pocket costs.