Medicaid

Medicaid is a government funded and state-regulated welfare program that provides medical benefits to low-income individuals, low-income families, or low-income pregnant women.

Medicaid assists people with low income to pay their medical bills, find reduced cost or free medical treatment, well treatment to prevent medical problems and offers prenatal and emergency care treatment. In addition to this Medicaid can help pay for some nutritional supplementation such as Pediasure or Ensure for babies and seniors who need diet supplementation.

Durable medical equipment deemed necessary by a doctor or physical therapist who is licensed in the state in which a recipient qualifies for Medicaid can order such equipment for the patient or can write a prescription for the equipment, and Medicaid will usually pay for most of this equipment.

Diabetics who need insulin testing equipment and who qualify for Medicaid may be able to receive free testing supplies through Medicaid.

Prescription medications are covered through the Medicaid program, though the amounts and levels will differ from one state to the next. Most states allow unlimited necessary prescriptions for children at no cost to the recipient, while adults are usually limited to three free prescriptions per month.

Medicaid might be available to Medicare recipients who also have low income in order to assist paying the co-payments or the Part D plans through Medicare. You will need to check with the local Social Security Office to determine whether you are eligible for this program.

If you qualify for Medicaid, because the income qualifying guidelines are so strict, chances are you also quality for how to apply for food stamps, which can help put more money in your pocket to pay for any medical or personal needs that Medicaid and food stamps don't cover.

March 2010 Update: With the passage of the healthcare reform bill, Medicaid will be expanded to include more low-income individuals and families. Individuals and families earning up to 133% of the federal poverty income level will qualify (for a family of four, earning less than $29, 327.00 will qualify for Medicaidhttp://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3200/show).