Medicaid

What this actually is

Comprehensive health coverage, free or nearly free, for people with low income. It is insurance rather than cash, and it is an entitlement — if you meet your state's rules the state must enroll you. Three things people get wrong and it costs them real money. First: there is NO open enrollment period. You can apply for Medicaid any day of the year, and if you qualify, coverage can start immediately. Second: Medicaid can pay medical bills from the LAST THREE MONTHS even though you were not enrolled when you got the care — if you are sitting on a recent hospital or ER bill, say so on the application and ask for retroactive coverage. Third: whether your state expanded Medicaid changes the income threshold a lot, but even in a non-expansion state you should still apply, because pregnancy, children, disability, age and caretaker status each open separate doors. Nobody may charge you to apply. Any site asking for a fee to "get you Medicaid" is not the state agency.

Who qualifies, and what trips people up

Eligible income levels, covered services and costs differ from state to state within federal guidelines. Coverage groups include low-income families and children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities in every state; some states additionally cover all adults below an income level (expansion). Apply through your state Medicaid agency or by filing a Marketplace application at HealthCare.gov, which forwards your information to the state automatically. What trips people up: assuming a past denial still holds (rules and your income change — reapply), missing a renewal notice and losing coverage for paperwork reasons rather than income, and not reporting a pregnancy or a new disability that would qualify them under a different group. If you lose or are denied Medicaid, that triggers a Special Enrollment Period for Marketplace coverage — you are not locked out for the year.