- Country
- United States
- Official name
- Medicaid
- Run by
- Your state, within federal rules set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Type
- Health care
Health coverage run by each state for people with limited income and resources, including many people aged 65 or over.
Who it is for
People with limited income and resources. Rules for people 65 or older follow the income and asset methods of SSI.
Eligibility
Each state decides the details, including what counts as income and resources.
For people 65 or older, states generally use SSI income rules. Some states use stricter rules.
Many states have a medically needy program, so people with high medical costs can qualify by spending down income above the state limit.
What you get
Health coverage. If you also have Medicare, Medicare pays first and Medicaid can help with what is left, up to the state's limit.
How to apply
Contact your state Medicaid agency. You can apply at any time of year.
Official sources
Last checked against official sources: