Medicaid Expansion

As of August 4th, only 12 states remain that have not expanded Medicaid services. Recently, Missouri voters approved their expansion, increasing Medicaid eligibility to low-income adults with income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Medicaid in the United States is a federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, including nursing home care and personal care services. Nearly three-fourths of the nation has expanded Medicaid and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see its continuation.

States Who Still Have Not Expanded Medicaid

According to a tracker provided by Kaiser Family Foundation, the 12 states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion are:

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Kansas
5. Mississippi
6. North Carolina
7. South Carolina
8. South Dakota
9. Tennessee
10. Texas
11. Wisconsin (has expanded to 100 percent of FPL)
12. Wyoming

Medicaid Expansion

Medicaid expansion means that the Medicaid programs provided by a state cover all those inside a household who fall below a certain income level, or Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The FPL is used to determine financial eligibility for certain federal programs, such as Medicaid. Qualifying for Medicaid is based on your household size, disability, income, family status, and other factors. It is important to note that eligibility differs from state to state.  If you or your family make less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level and you live in one of the 38 states that expanded Medicaid, you may qualify for Medicaid making Medicaid eligibility effectively 138%, not 133%.

Applying for Medicaid

If you do not qualify for your state’s Medicaid program you most likely wouldn’t qualify for other health insurance savings programs such as saving money on private health plans bought through the marketplace. Those who might be interested in applying for Medicaid can visit here, to learn how to apply. Each state however does have coverage options that can help you. Whether it’s for those with children or those with a disability, the more information you can provide can help you save.

Agents

We hope this information on Medicaid Expansion is helpful to you.

Empower Brokerage is dedicated to helping you educate your clients on the insurance they need and staying on top of their health. Whether it’s through webinar training, one-on-one calls, seminars, or marketing plans. We want you to be successful. Give us a call if you have any questions 888-539-1633.

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