Debunking Common Medicaid Myths

Medicaid is an extremely helpful benefit in itself, but like any other aid of its structure, it’s still subject to numerous myths that hinder people from making full use of its benefits. Here are some of the most common:

Only poor people are eligible – Medicaid was enacted in 1965 as a means of providing medical assistance to all qualifiers, and the rules simply don’t state that only less fortunate people are eligible for assistance. Sure, poor people are more likely to qualify, but virtually anyone can—provided that they adequately meet the set standards or criteria.

Paying for private medical care is better – Medical care from private institutions certainly has its merits, but the quality of care in Medicaid isn’t too different. In fact, it is illegal to provide sub-par care for Medicaid patients, as well as discriminating against them.

Too much income equals ineligibility – To set the record straight, any person under 65 years of age with low income is eligible for Medicaid based on his/her Modified Adjusted Gross Income (aka the MAGI test), while the eligibility of those 65 years or older is determined solely on assets and not income.

To get Medicaid, you must lose everything – This is probably the silliest misconception there is. One doesn’t have to be completely impoverished to be eligible for Medicaid—for instance, a person with dependent family members doesn’t have to sell his/her home or other assets.