What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a Federally-sponsored health insurance program that provides health insurance for low-income families. But many people who need health insurance donଁt qualify for Medicaid.

Fortunately, there are many low-cost health insurance options available.

Get free quotes on low-cost health plans…

* First Name: * Last Name: * Address: * City: * State: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Dist. of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming * Zip: * Phone:      * Email:   Gender* Date of birth*   Height*  Weight* Smoker* Applicant M F / / Ft 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 In 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Spouse -- M F / / Ft 4 5 6 7 In 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Children 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Children  -- M F / / Ft 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 In 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Children  -- M F / / Ft 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 In 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Children  -- M F / / Ft 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 In 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Children  -- M F / / Ft 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 In 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Children  -- M F / / Ft 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 In 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Children  -- M F / / Ft 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 In 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Currently Insured? Yes   No Have conditions? Yes   No HIV/AIDS Diabetes Cancer Heart attack High blood pressure Asthma Stroke Depression requiring medication Other major illness

Medicaid is often confused with Medicare. Though the two programs have similar names, they are very different. Medicare is provided for senior citizens and people with specific disabilities. In addition, Medicare is paid for entirely by the Federal government. Medicaid is paid for by both the Federal government and state governments.

Since it’s creation in 1965, Medicaid has consistently grown — despite the debates that surround its skyrocketing costs. And as it has grown, it has also become extremely complicated.

“Can I Benefit From Medicaid?”

Answering simple questions such as “Am I eligible?” and “What coverage will I be eligible for?” can be difficult to do. But here are few things to keep in mind:

• Each State determines the amount, type, scope, and length of Medicaid’s services.
• Each State is responsible for establishing its own Medicaid eligibility standards.
• Each State sets the rates and payments for services.
• Each State administers its own Medicaid program.

Medicaid is changing rapidly. The program is constantly being reviewed and rewritten by the Federal and state governments. The best way to determine if you qualify for Medicaid is to talk with social service providers in your area.

What If You Aren’t Eligible?

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you aren’t necessarily out of luck. Individual health insurance costs less than most people imagine, and can be a good alternative to public health programs like Medicaid.

To explore your individual health insurance options, talk with our network of agents. When you use our free service, we’ll match with qualified agents who can help you explore your options. Fill out an easy online form, and you’ll be contacted with free health insurance quotes.