LawInfo

Medicaid FAQs

• Why is Medicaid different in every state?
  Medicaid is a joint federal­state program. It provides medical assistance to eligible needy persons. Unlike Medicare it is an entitlement program based on income … more
• Is there a citizenship requirement for Medicaid?
  Participants must be citizens or a qualified alien. These categories of aliens were set in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
• Can I be barred from Medicaid if I just moved into a state?
  States must provide Medicaid for eligible residents. States cannot place length of stay residency requirements.
• Whom does Medicaid cover?
  States vary depending on the options they have elected. SSI states cover everyone who qualifies for the Supplemental Security income program (aged, blind and … more
• What are the income and resource levels for Medicaid?
  Income cap states limit income to three times the SSI benefit level. In 1997 the benefit level is $484 per month and the income cap is $1,452. No spend down is allowed … more
• Will Medicaid pay for my Medicare premiums and deductibles?
  Medicaid pays the deductibles, coinsurance and premiums for Medicare Part A and B for low­income persons. These individuals are called Qualified Medicare … more
• Can Medicaid place a lien on property or recover against an estate?
  Aside from the resource rules described above, there are many exemptions, the biggest one being a homestead. However, Medicaid may impose a lien on a recipient`s … more
• Are adult children responsible for the medical bills of their parents?
  In determining Medicaid eligibility of an adult, federal law does not permit states to use the income or resources of non­spouses. States cannot collect … more
• Are well spouses legally responsible for Medicaid expenses of a sick spouse?
  Federal Medicaid law permits states to deem the income and resources of the well spouse as available to the sick spouse. The extent of this deeming depends on whether … more

Elder Law Sub-categories