Can You Qualify for SSDI Medicaid at the Same Time?
Can You Qualify for SSDI, Medicaid at the Same Time?
Yes, as long as you meet the qualifications for , the government health care program for people with limited earnings. Whether or not you receive (SSDI) is not a factor in Medicaid eligibility.
And that can come in handy. While getting SSDI , there's a waiting period — generally, two years after you become entitled to the disability benefit. If you qualify, Medicaid can provide a way to cover your health care costs while you're waiting for your Medicare to kick in. Medicaid is primarily funded by the federal government but largely run by the states, so qualification criteria can differ depending on where you live. In recent years, most states have expanded their Medicaid programs under the (ACA), allowing most adults to qualify if they earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) — currently, that's about $18,750 for an individual and $38,300 for a family of four. In this situation, an individual receiving the average SSDI benefit (about $1,363 a month as of September 2022) and no other income could qualify for Medicaid. However, some states set the cap at 100 percent of the poverty level ($13,590 individual; $27,750 family of four) or use other criteria to determine eligibility. You may still be able to get Medicaid if your income from SSDI is above the limit — especially if you have high medical bills. Some states have “spend down” programs that allow you to subtract health care expenses from your income to get it under the Medicaid ceiling. For more information on eligibility and the application process, check the at HealthCare.gov, the federal government's online marketplace for health coverage; or . You may be able to even when you become eligible for Medicare, as what the government calls a Medicare would become your primary health insurer, meaning your providers bill it first when you get treatment. But Medicaid may cover some things Medicare doesn't, such as dental coverage or , and in some cases it can be used to offset your .
Can I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid at the same time
Yes, as long as you meet the qualifications for , the government health care program for people with limited earnings. Whether or not you receive (SSDI) is not a factor in Medicaid eligibility.
And that can come in handy. While getting SSDI , there's a waiting period — generally, two years after you become entitled to the disability benefit. If you qualify, Medicaid can provide a way to cover your health care costs while you're waiting for your Medicare to kick in. Medicaid is primarily funded by the federal government but largely run by the states, so qualification criteria can differ depending on where you live. In recent years, most states have expanded their Medicaid programs under the (ACA), allowing most adults to qualify if they earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) — currently, that's about $18,750 for an individual and $38,300 for a family of four. In this situation, an individual receiving the average SSDI benefit (about $1,363 a month as of September 2022) and no other income could qualify for Medicaid. However, some states set the cap at 100 percent of the poverty level ($13,590 individual; $27,750 family of four) or use other criteria to determine eligibility. You may still be able to get Medicaid if your income from SSDI is above the limit — especially if you have high medical bills. Some states have “spend down” programs that allow you to subtract health care expenses from your income to get it under the Medicaid ceiling. For more information on eligibility and the application process, check the at HealthCare.gov, the federal government's online marketplace for health coverage; or . You may be able to even when you become eligible for Medicare, as what the government calls a Medicare would become your primary health insurer, meaning your providers bill it first when you get treatment. But Medicaid may cover some things Medicare doesn't, such as dental coverage or , and in some cases it can be used to offset your .