What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a state run medical program that provides medical care to low income persons with little to no resources. It is funded by state and federal sources. It is possible to be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

Eligibility guidelines for Medicaid vary from state to state. Some common requirements for eligibility are limited income families with children who qualify for AFDC, disability healthcare assistance to persons eligible for Supplemental Security income, infants born to Medicaid eligible pregnant women, and recipients of adoption assistance and foster care. Medicaid eligibility can be more desirable for disabled persons who need health care because it covers items that Medicare does not.

Medicaid Eligibility should be a factor in estate planning, long term care planning and incapacity planning, especially if long-term care insurance is not an option. Medicare does not cover nursing home care. If proper and prior planning is not considered you would have to dissipate your assets before you become eligible for Medicaid, which would leave a surviving spouse and other family penniless.

Medicaid eligibility is also an issue for families with children or adults with special needs. Care has to be taken to provide for these family members in your estate in such a manner that they do not lose their eligibility for Medicaid or other resource based programs.

Medicaid eligibility is also a concern for persons who with HIV/AIDS. There is a subsidy for assistance with cost of medication for HIV/AIDS through Medicaid. Maintaining eligibility to qualify for this subsidy can be important if a person loses or does not have medical insurance when their condition is discovered.

Medicaid eligibility rules and regulations can be confusing and complicated. Competent legal advice from attorneys experienced in this area is crucial to prevent a mistake that could delay eligibility for Medicaid for months or years.