FAQ's for Medicaid Programs

If you get Temporary Assistance or SSI, can you get Medicaid?

Yes, you can get Medicaid and  cash assistance.  You can also get Medicaid without cash assistance.  Citizens and aliens with satisfactory immigration status can get Medicaid.

If you stop getting cash assistance because you are working and earn too much money, can you continue to get Medicaid?

Yes, if you have children, are age 65 or older, or are certified disabled, you may be eligible for Medicaid.  If you have too much income and/or resources, you may be eligible after you incur medical bills at least equal to your excess income and/or excess resources.  If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you may be eligible for Family Health Plus.  You can qualify for Family Health Plus if you  are single or a childless couple with income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level or live with child(ren) and have income up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.  Your resources will not be counted for Family Health Plus.  Citizens and aliens with satisfactory immigration status can get Family Health Plus. 

If you are pregnant, can you have more income to get Medicaid?

You can have income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level  and get Medicaid.  Your resources are not counted.  Pregnant women do not need to prove citizenship or immigrations status.

What if you do not qualify for Medicaid or Family Health Plus?  Is there any other help?

Yes, Child Health Plus A is for children under age 21.  If you are under age 19, you can have income as high as 133% of the Federal Poverty Level,  and your resources are not counted.

If you are age 19 or 20, you can qualify if you have income and resources below certain levels.  If you have too much income and/or resources, you may be eligible after you incur medical bills at least equal to your excess income and/or excess resources.  You may also be eligible for Family Health Plus.  You can qualify for Family Health Plus if you live with a parent and have income up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.  If you do not live with a parent, you can qualify with income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.  Your resources will not be counted for Family Health Plus.

Child Health Plus B  -  is free or low cost health insurance for children under age 19 who are not eligible for Child Health Plus A.

Can my child get help finding a health care provider and
getting regular checkups?

Yes, the Child/Teen Health Program covers medical and dental care, provides regular checkups and helps you make sure your child is growing right.
 If you need health care coverage, contact the local Department of Social Services.   

What to expect when you visit the office?

When you first visit the office, you will be asked by reception staff how they might help you.  Once you state your business, they will give you some information, application packets, etc. for your use, and they will offer to ask someone from the staff to meet with you to clarify what we may or may not be able to do to assist.  You might also be given some information of other places in the community that may be able to lend a hand or help with your issue.  As you meet the Medicaid staff, they will share with you information you need to have to be able to formally request services.

How long will it take?

The time you spend in the office depends on the complexity of your needs and possible solutions.  Applications are taken each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.  It is required that all applications be completed and submitted to the receptionist by 10:30 A.M.  When you submit your application, it goes through an initial computer clearance process.  Your name, date of birth, and Social Security number are compared to a Statewide database.  This information must be on the application or we cannot begin the application process.  Some applicants must also be finger imaged and photographed before an eligibility determination can be made.

Once your application is cleared, you will be seen by the next available Medical Assistance Social Services Specialist.  The earlier you come (we open our door at 8:45 A.M.), the sooner you will see a Specialist.  Applicants are seen on a first come, first served basis.  It will take about one hour for the interview.  Be prepared to spend the morning at the DSS office and if the number of applicants is unusually high, you may not be seen until the afternoon.  The “Redi-Reference Guide” (Link) lists the documents you will need to bring with you.

Applications for Nursing Home coverage are handled by a separate unit.  To apply for this coverage, call (845) 225-7040, extension 1251 to make an appointment.