Medicaid is an eligibility-limited type of health care service provided by state and federal governments. For those that qualify, Medicaid planning is essential to ensure long-term stability. As a result, you need to understand the basics of this type of assistance. Use this guide to get a closer look at the specifics to ensure you're armed with all the right information.

How Does Medicaid Differ From Medicare? 

Unlike Medicare, Medicaid isn’t age dependent. Instead, it focuses on situational requirements. The coverage is primarily designed to offer assistance to low-income families, including children, expecting mothers, and adults. Individuals with disabilities and low-income seniors also qualify—both of whom can benefit from Medicaid planning to ensure nursing care needs are met. Typically, treatments provided are covered at no or low cost to prevent financial burden. 

Medicare, on the other hand, is a program focused on the insurance needs of individuals over 65 years of age. Recipients must have paid into the fund during their working years, and coverage is usually accompanied by monthly premiums for nonhospital needs, like prescriptions and physician visits. 

Who Qualifies?

The basic requirements include being a U.S. citizen with a Social Security number. Otherwise, you have to meet special noncitizen eligibility requirements. They must also be a resident of the state they’re applying to and meet both federal and state income levels. 

In Ohio, Medicaid is available for children whose family's household income falls within 156% of the U.S. federal poverty level. This coverage extends to both insured and uninsured individuals up to 20 years of age. Pregnant women within and up to 200% of the poverty level also qualify. 

For families, the household income must fall at or below 90% of the federal poverty level, and there needs to be at least one child under 19 years old. Blind, disabled, and older individuals also have income requirements ranging from 100% to 135% of the federal poverty level.

For personalized assistance with Medicaid planning, reach out to Rutherford Law Office in Chillicothe, OH. These local lawyers provide honest advice and dependable representation for matters of estate planning. The team is led by attorneys Sherri Rutherford and  Chase Rutherford, and they have been serving clients throughout Ross and  surrounding counties since 1998. Whether you need help developing a will, living trust, or guardianship documents, they can help. Visit the firm online to find out how they can assist you, or call (740) 775-7434 to schedule a consultation.