Do I Qualify for Emergency Medicaid?

Medicaid is a healthcare program that is primarily funded by the United States federal government; however, each individual state has the option to supplement the funds provided by the federal government. Although Medicaid is a federal program, it is administered by the individual states. As a result, the eligibility guidelines and benefits provided to participants can vary from one state to the next. Each state, for example, offers several different categories under which an applicant may qualify for benefits. In the State of North Carolina, those categories include:

• Age 65 or older
• Blind or disabled
• Infants and children under the age of 21
• Low-income individuals and families
• In need of long-term care
• Receiving Medicare

General Medicaid Eligibility Guidelines

As a general rule, in order to qualify for Medicaid benefits under any of the categories, and applicant must meet the following eligibility guidelines:

• Be a U.S. citizen or provide proof of eligible immigration status.
• Live in North Carolina, and provide proof of residency
• Have a Social Security number or have applied for one

Furthermore, you will automatically qualify, and be enrolled in, Medicaid if you are receiving any of the following:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Work First Family Assistance
• State/County Special Assistance for the Aged or Disabled
• (Adult Care Home Assistance)
• Special Assistance to the Blind

Medicaid’s Income and Asset Limits

In addition to the other eligibility requirements for Medicaid, an applicant cannot have income nor assets that exceed the program limit. The income limit varies depending on the category under which an applicant applies and the applicant’s household size. Moreover, the income limit is tied to the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) which changes depending on where an applicant lives. The FPL also changes on a yearly basis. The asset limit, also referred to as the “countable resources” limit, may also vary depending on the program; however, in most cases the limit is as low as $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

What Is Emergency Medicaid?

Traditional Medicaid benefits mimic those of private health insurance policies. If you are approved for traditional Medicaid, therefore, you will be covered for things such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. To be approved for emergency Medicaid, ad applicant must meet all of the general eligibility requirements except the citizenship/immigration status requirement. Note that the residency requirement must still be met, meaning that an applicant must prove an intent to remain in North Carolina. Emergency Medicaid provides similar benefits but only for a limited period of time and only if the applicant has a medical emergency.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions about emergency Medicaid eligibility in North Carolina, contact an experienced North Carolina Medicaid planning attorney at The Law Offices of Cheryl David by calling (336) 717-0375 to schedule an appointment.