February 22, 2008, Newsletter Issue #116: Are You Eligible For Medicaid?

Tip of the Week

Medicaid is a state and federal government funded program that provides health coverage for people that meet certain state established income and resources levels. Some of the basic benefits that the states must include are: Hospital Care (inpatient and outpatient, physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, nurse midwife and nurse practitioner services, early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services and immunizations for children and youth under 21, nursing home care, home health services for those eligible for nursing home care and the transportation services for doctor, hospital, and other healthcare visits. Depending on what state you reside in, they may also offer additional services under the same Medicaid program such as physical therapy, personal attendants, and rehabilitation services. To get more information on exactly what is covered and if you qualify, contact your local Medicaid office (which may also be called “medical assistance” in some states) at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid at www.cms.gov or by dialing 1-800.MEDICARE. You can also find what optional services are available in your state under this Medicaid program by going to www.kff.org/medicaidbenefits.
If you are making more than the poverty level determined by your state, check to see if your state offers a medically needy program such as a “spend down” option. These types of programs are offered in about 35 states and Washington, DC. These programs offer healthcare assistance to certain groups of individuals with high Medical expenses but have incomes above Medicaid eligibility limits.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.