Medicaid is a joint federal and state public assistance program that provides health insurance to low-income Americans, regardless of age, and is based on financial need and hardship. This program is publicly funded through taxes that are collected from each working individual.
If you are withstanding severe financial hardship, you may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. In addition, as a New York State resident, you most likely qualify if you fall under one of the following categories:
• Someone who is pregnant;
• A parent of a minor or teenager living alone;
• Someone who is aged, blind, or disabled; or
• Someone without any disabilities or children under the age of eighteen.
Aside from being a part of one of the groups mentioned above, individuals must establish financial and non-financial eligibility as well. Financial eligibility is based on a methodology that has been established under the Affordable Care Act, which is Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). According to the Medicaid website, Modified Adjusted Gross Income determines Medicaid eligibility for most children, pregnant women, parents and adults. In order to determine financial eligibility, the MAGI method considers taxable income and tax filing relationships. However, the MAGI methodology is not used for determining eligibility for certain groups, such as those over the age of 65 or those who are qualified as disabled. Here, the process for determining eligibility is based upon income and resource levels.
Non-financial factors also are used to determine Medicaid eligibility. In order to receive Medicaid coverage, applicants must be citizens of the United States or lawful permanent resident. Also, the individual must be a resident of the state in which they are receiving Medicaid benefits from. There are additional eligibility requirements you are applying for Medicaid for Long Term Care.
If you or a loved one are in the process of applying for Medicaid, it is best to contact an experienced New York Medicaid and elder law attorney, who can guide you through the process. The attorneys at Hobson-Williams, P.C. are skilled in all aspects of elder law and are dedicated to representing clients with diligence and compassion. Contact the experienced New York elder law attorneys at Hobson-Williams, P.C. for a consultation by calling them at 866-825-1LAW or vising them at www.thobsonwilliamslaw.com.
Written by Tanya Hobson Williams
Appointed to the bench by the Board of Trustees in 2008, and elected in 2009, Tanya Hobson-Williams was the first African-American Female Justice in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead. Tanya Hobson–Williams obtained her B.A. in Government and Politics from St. John’s University and her law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Tanya Hobson-Williams has an active elder law practice assisting senior citizens in obtaining Medicaid for Home Care and Nursing Home Care. She routinely lectures at senior citizen centers, assisted living facilities, law schools and counsels families on a variety of topics of concerns to families caring for the elderly.
