Understanding Medicaid: Frequently Asked Questions

1.     What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a privilege an individual is entitled to receive upon reaching the age of 65 or be certified disabled, providing they have worked for at least 10 years and contributed into the Social Security System.

Medicaid is for the poor or impoverished; therefore, eligibility is based upon income and resources levels.  Meeting the eligibility requirements will secure Medicaid eligibility.

2.     What is Medicaid medical assistance?

Medicaid is a joint federal and State funded program, run  by the State and local Counties, providing medical insurance, home care services (assisting with all activities of daily living), and nursing home medical assistance, to the poor, elderly, or disabled.

However, individuals requiring home care services or nursing home medical assistance, will need in addition to financial requirements, also need have a medical need for these services.

3.     Who can apply for Medicaid?

Medicaid is for Anyone who meets the income and resources restrictions.

4.     What services does Medicaid provide? 

*   Doctors

*   Hospitals

*   Prescriptions

*   Home Care Services, such as, home attendants, home health aides, and nurses

*   Nursing Homes (room & board)

5.     What is an MLTC?

MLTC stands for Manage Long Term Care.  One Example:  When an applicant has been approved for Medicaid home-care services, the applicant has to choose one MLTC from several approved Medicaid Plans.  Upon joining an MLTC a coordinator will be assigned and this coordinator will be the point person between the applicant/recipient and the MLTC.

6.     How long is a person denied once Medicaid denies their application?

When Medicaid denies an application it’s denied for a reason. Once the issue is corrected the applicant can reapply.