The high cost of private medical care has made many individuals look for better and cheaper alternatives. Medicaid, a program funded by the state and federal government, has turned out to be the best alternative to the expensive private health care. To enroll in this program, it is important that you hire a good elder law attorney or Medicaid attorney.  Before doing so, it’ll make sense if you did your homework. One of your research should be centered on how to apply for the program. In this article I address that.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid, a well-known government-funded program in the U.S, is a federal and state program that offers health care coverage to individuals who qualify. Each state operates its Medicaid program, and have different eligibility requirements. While states have guidelines on how they operate their Medicaid, they are still obliged to abide by the federal government rules. Aside from providing the rules which the states must follow, the federal government also provides at least half of the finding for the Medicaid requirements. 

According to Federal Regulations, states create and operate their Medicaid to best serve their residents who are eligible. States may also decide to offer more services than the federal government requires and may offer coverage to larger groups of individuals. Medicaid offers health care coverage for individuals who qualify based on income and the value of their assets. 

Who should consider Medicaid?

The Medicaid program is designed for specific groups of people. These people include:

• Pregnant women with inadequate income
• Children of low-income families
• Children in foster care
• Individuals plagued with all sorts of disabilities
• Seniors with low income
• Parents or caregivers with inadequate income

States may decide to expand eligibility to other groups of individuals, such as individuals with low income who may or may not have children.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Buffalo, New York

You may apply for Medicaid in Buffalo in the ways stated below:

•             NY State of Health. The Official Health Plan Marketplace (855) 355-5777

•             Managed Care Organization ( MCO)

•             Navigators and certified Application Counselors

•             Medicaid Helpline (800) 541-2831

•             Local District Social Services Offices

Before applying for a Medicaid, it is important that you determine your eligibility status. If you cannot do that, contact a Medicaid attorney for assistance.

Also, it is important you know that where you apply for Medicaid will depend on your category. Your category might be single, childless couples, pregnant woman, parent(s) and caretaker relatives with dependent children, elderly and/ or disabled.

The Marketplace, (NY State of Health) will ascertain the eligibility of applicants using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Rules. Generally, income is counted with similar rules as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with little differences.  Person Applicants may decide to complete their application online, in person with a navigator or certified application counsellor, by mail including by phone.

The following persons are meant to apply for Medicaid care benefit in the Marketplace, (NY State of Health).

• Adults (not pregnant) and aged 19-64, not eligible for Medicare
• Pregnant Women and minors
• Children of ages 1-18, and
• Parents including caretaker relatives

If you fall in the category listed below, ensure you apply with your Local Department of Social Service (LDSS).

• People age 65 and older, who aren’t parents or caretaker relatives, when age is a condition of eligibility
• People whose eligibility is based on their disability or who request coverage for community based long term care (CBLTC) services, and those persons with an urgent need for Personal Care Services (PCS) or Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS).
• Medicare Savings Program (MSP).
• Medicaid Buy-in for Working People with disabilities enrollees (M BI-WPD)
• Ex Foster Care Youth

Do you need an Elder Law Attorney?

Do you intend on applying for Medicaid but don’t know how to go about it? Or do you wish to set up a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust? If yes, don’t hesitate to call our office. We boast the best Medicaid attorneys who are experienced in matters regarding Medicaid.