Medicaid is the nation’s single largest insurer. The program, which covers more than 62 million Americans, includes coverage for millions of the nation’s most vulnerable individuals and families. The sick, the elderly, and children are among them. This means, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you are uninsured and cannot afford treatment, Medicaid can help.
If you are worried about being refused because of this pre-existing condition, don’t. Medicaid cannot refuse to cover you or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), this provision applies to private health insurance providers as well.
So here’s how Medicaid works. In general, the program provides free or low-cost medical care based on income and family size. Each state has its own income limits to qualify for free Medicaid coverage. However, even if you earn “too much” to qualify, you might still be eligible for a low-cost health plan with extra savings or a health plan with lower monthly premiums. Some individuals, called “dual eligibles,” may also qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. In some states, the program covers all low-income adults below a certain income level.
If you become a Medicaid recipient, you can expect the following coverages: surgery, hospital expenses, doctor visits, home health care, and nursing home care. The program also covers long-term care costs, both in a nursing home and at-home care. Certain prescription drugs may be covered as well.
Sources
"Key Facts about the Uninsured Population." KFF.org. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 29 Sept. 2016. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.
"Medicaid: A Primer – Key Information on the Nation’s Health Coverage Program for Low-Income People." KFF.org. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 01 May 2013. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.
"Medicaid Information." SSA.gov. U.S. Social Security Administration, n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.
"Medicaid." Medicare.gov. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.
"Prescription Drugs." Medicaid.gov. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.
"Ultimate Guide to Retirement: What Does Medicaid Cover?" CNNMoney. Cable News Network, A Time Warner Company, 2017. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.
VA.gov. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 08 Nov. 2016. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.
"What Are the Key Statistics About Malignant Mesothelioma?" American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society, Inc., 2017. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.
"Will You Save? Do a Quick Check." HealthCare.gov. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.
