Many think they are not eligible for Medicaid because that’s only for elderly people. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Alabama Medicaid program offers Medicaid benefits to qualified children, parents, and caregivers. It’s important to understand the application process and what services may be covered.
Benefits for Children
Some of the services available to kids who qualify for full Medicaid benefits are:
- Dental services until age 19 unless they qualify for this service under another category.
- Up to 14 doctor visits each year and up to 16 days of doctor’s care while admitted to a hospital.
- Eye exams and eyeglasses at least once a year, depending on medical need.
- Hearing screening once a year and hearing aids.
- Certain home health
- Hospital stays, including psychiatric services for people under age 21, x-rays, and lab tests.
- Maternity
- Some prescription drugs.
- Renal dialysis.
- Some transplants.
- Ambulances and non-emergency transportation.
- Services covered by the Well Child Checkup Program.
To receive Medicaid benefits, children must meet some requirements:
- Must be an Alabama resident under the age of 19;
- Living in either a one or two parent family;
- Family income must be below the current level;
- Must be a U. S. citizen or have an approved immigration status.
Children who are not eligible for full Medicaid benefits may qualify under the All Kids Program. Through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, children can receive health care under low-cost, yet comprehensive, health care coverage.
Benefits for Parents and Caregivers
Some parents and caretaker relatives can receive full Medicaid benefits if they meet the following requirements:
- Have a child under age 19 who is a close relative living at the parent/caretaker’s home. Caretakers not related to the child are not qualified for Medicaid, but the children may be.
- Be an Alabama resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or an immigrant in good standing.
- Must assign all medical insurance or medical support benefits to the State,
- Must report all household changes like birth, pregnancy, someone moving, address changes, or income changes.
The income of every person listed as part of the house is totaled to see if the family meets Medicaid income requirements.
Applying for Medicaid
Applications can be submitted online or as a hard copy. Qualifying may be difficult and the whole process can be complicated. A sliding scale is used to determine the income limits for the applicant. For example, a child whose monthly family income is $2,003 for a family of 2 may be eligible.
We Can Help with Medicaid Eligibility Concerns.
The attorneys at Miller Estate and Elder Law know how to help you with Medicaid eligibility. For a free consultation, contact us at 256-251-2137 or use our convenient Contact Form. Although we’re located in Anniston, we also help clients in the Birmingham, Gadsden, Hoover, Talladega, Vestavia Hills, and surrounding areas.
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