You may have failed to
qualify for Medicaid last year, but with this year's expansion, you
might just be one of 100,000 newly eligible Marylanders. Thanks to
the Affordable Care Act, coverage is now expanded for the poorest
Americans by allowing the states to provide Medicaid eligibility,
starting Jan. 1, 2014. To qualify, an applicant must be within ages
19-64, a U.S. citizen or qualified alien with 5 years stay in the
country, and a legal resident of MD.
Single adults who earn up to
about $15,000 a year will now be qualified; same goes for someone in
a family of four making around $31,000. Also, starting Jan. 1, 2014,
a limited benefit program for low-income adults called the Primary
Adult Care (PAC) program will get better for those currently enrolled
in the program, because their coverage will automatically be replaced
with full Medicaid benefits.
Here’s another interesting
point: if anyone in your family is eligible for Medicaid, coverage
will be retroactive back to the first day of the month that you
applied in. Plus, the expansion also now accommodates children who
came from foster care until they reach the age of 26. These children
will remain eligible regardless of how much they earn.
Not sure if you are eligible
for Medicaid? Online, in-person, and phone assistance is available
through Maryland Health Connection’s Health Assistance Program.
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