Medicaid Eligibility Without Employment: A Comprehensive Guide

Medicaid is a federal program administered through each state to help individuals and families who have low income afford to pay for medical care. If you aren't earning a paycheck, then there is a good chance you will be considered low income. Medicaid offers a large range of services, such as dental care, preventative care, transportation to medical appointments and mental health care. Some of the health services provided by Medicaid require a small co-payment.

Qualifying While Unemployed

You may qualify for Medicaid if you are below the income limits in the state where you reside, have high medical bills or receive Supplemental Security Income. If you are unemployed and receiving unemployment compensation, there is a good chance you could meet your state's income eligibility requirements. However, you will also have to have few financial resources, which could happen if you have exhausted much of your savings while unemployed.

Applying

You can apply for Medicaid by phone, letter or with a visit to your local department of social services office. You will need proof of age, citizenship and income. You will also want to bring your most-recent unemployment check stubs and proof of any other income you may be receiving. You should also bring proof of your residence and of health insurance (if you have it).

Income Requirement

Each state will have its own income levels to determine if you are eligible for Medicaid. There are two sets of income figures: one for low-income individuals and families and one for families that have someone who is blind, disabled or over 65 years old in it. The larger your family is, the greater the chance will be that your unemployment will be below your state's income limit.

Other Requirements

Meeting the income and resources requirements is only part of how you show eligibility. You must also be either a pregnant women, have children under 18 years old or have someone in your household who is over 65 years old, blind or disabled. This will limit the number of unemployed workers who are eligible for Medicaid while unemployed.