Benefits.gov - Medicaid Program

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Medicaid Program

Managing Agency U.S. Department of Health and Human Services http://www.hhs.gov/

Program Description

The Medicaid Program provides medical benefits to low-income people who have no medical insurance or have inadequate medical insurance. The Federal government establishes general guidelines for the administration of Medicaid benefits. However, specific eligibility requirements to receive Medicaid benefits, as well as the type and scope of services provided, are determined by each individual state. Thus, a person who is eligible for Medicaid in one state may not qualify in another state. You must check with the Medicaid office in the state you live in to confirm your eligibility to receive benefits.

Medicaid is a joint Federal/state program administered by each individual state. Each state develops its own rules related to eligibility and coverage within broad Federal guidelines.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, have a child(ren) with a disability, or be responsible for children under 19 years of age.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information

To find out whether you are eligible to receive Medicaid benefits, contact your state Medicaid office. Phone numbers for each state office can be obtained through this website: http://www.cms.gov/apps/contacts/

For general information about the Medicaid program, including eligibility requirements, visit: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp?