We talk a lot about elder law, elder care, and Medicaid on this website, and for many of our readers, those terms are part of everyday life. What if you’re a newcomer to the world of Medicaid, though? Or maybe you’re a family member trying to learn a little more so you can help an aging loved one?
ABC recently ran a helpful article that the Associated Press put together, reviewing some of the basics about Medicaid and explaining how the program has expanded in a number of states (including Massachusetts).
Here are some of the highlights:
What is Medicaid? — The AP defines Medicaid as “a federal-state health care program for low-income and disabled people, including nursing home residents.”
How many people are covered? — More people benefit from Medicaid than any other governmental healthcare program. About 69 million people will receive Medicaid benefits in 2015 alone. That’s even more than Medicare.
When was Medicaid created? — 1965, the same year that Medicare began.
What’s the difference between Medicaid and Medicare? — The AP didn’t actually cover this question, but we suspect that some of our readers could use some clarification. People often talk about Medicare and Medicaid in the same breath and incorrectly use the terms interchangeably. Medicare eligibility is based on age and/or disability and is associated with health insurance. Medicaid, meanwhile, is a separate program based on financial need and provides health coverage or nursing home coverage. There’s a lot to know about each program, and it is possible to qualify for either, neither, or both. Our office can help answer your questions.
How did the Affordable Care Act (ACA or “Obamacare”) change Medicaid? — Among many other changes to the country’s healthcare system, the ACA significantly expanded eligibility for Medicaid benefits, opening the program up to “all non-disabled adults under the age of 65 with incomes at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level” (currently $16,243 for individuals). The U.S. Supreme Court later ruled that states could opt out of that Medicaid expansion. Nevertheless, 30 states — including Massachusetts — have chosen to adopt the expansion.
What is MassHealth? — The AP didn’t cover this either, but you should know that MassHealth is the name for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ combined Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs. In talking about Medicaid in Massachusetts, we often refer to the MassHealth system.
There’s a lot more to know about Medicare and Medicaid, of course. Whole books could be written on the subject. Indeed, many have been! You don’t need to make yourself an overnight expert in order to take advantage of the benefits you deserve, though.
At O’Connell Law, LLC, our mission is to help aging, disabled, and/or impoverished Americans access the financial assistance they need and deserve. If you have questions about your eligibility for MassHealth and Medicaid, please give our office a call right away. Our Middlesex County elder law attorneys are here for you.
