According to a study done by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 14% of Americans aged 65 and older are living in poverty. For many of these seniors, they’re unable to work and rely on Social Security payments as their only source of income. So, what happens when these seniors need long-term care? Who will pay for it?
If you’re a New York resident who is 65 or older, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides coverage for low-income individuals and families. In order to qualify for Medicaid in New York, you must meet certain income and asset guidelines. If you’re single, your annual income must be below $15,450. And if you’re married, your annual income must be below $21,000. As for assets, you can only have $13,800 in countable assets if you’re single or $27,600 if you’re married. However, your home and personal belongings are not counted as assets for Medicaid eligibility purposes. If you think you may qualify for Medicaid, contact your local department of social services to learn more about the application process.
What Does Medicaid Cover?
Medicaid is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. While Medicaid coverage varies from state to state, the program typically covers a wide range of services, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, in-home care services, and nursing home care. In recent years, Medicaid expansion efforts have extended coverage to even more Americans, including adults without children and low-income adults with minor children. As a result of these expansion efforts, Medicaid now covers nearly 70 million people across the United States.
Am I Eligible for Medicaid?
You may be eligible for Medicaid if you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, if you are pregnant, if you are 65 years of age or older, if you are disabled, or if you meet certain income requirements. Income requirements vary from state to state, but generally, you must have an income that is at or below the federal poverty level to qualify. If you are not sure whether you meet the eligibility requirements, you can contact your state Medicaid office for more information.
How Do I Apply for Medicaid?
Applying for Medicaid can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. The first step is to gather all the necessary documentation. This includes things like your birth certificate, income tax return, pay stubs, and bank statements. Once you have everything in order, you can fill out the application online or in person at your local Medicaid office. The application will ask for basic information about yourself and your finances, and it’s important to answer all questions truthfully. Once you’ve submitted the application, you’ll be asked to provide additional documentation to support your eligibility. This may include things like a copy of your lease or mortgage, utility bills, and medical records. Once all the required documentation has been submitted, your application will be reviewed and a decision will be made. If you’re approved for Medicaid, you’ll be notified by mail and can begin using your benefits right away. Applying for Medicaid may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it if you need help paying for medical care.
Medicaid is a vital program that ensures low-income individuals and families have access to quality healthcare. If you’re 65 or older and think you may qualify for Medicaid, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lisa B Singer at 631 597-0080 for a free consultation.
