Qualifying for Medicaid is often easier said than done. Your income does dictate your Medicaid eligibility, but your involvement in other government programs can also affect whether you qualify. If you live in Wisconsin, it’s important to understand how you can protect your assets in the years to come as it relates to your Medicaid eligibility.
Medicaid eligibility
Prior to the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid eligibility was dependent on how much you earned and your debts. Your assets and net worth were also taken into account. However, after the law was put into effect, eligibility was divided into two categories. Some individuals still qualify for Medicaid the conventional way, and others qualify based on their MAGI, or modified adjusted gross income.
MAGI and non-MAGI
MAGI individuals should meet certain Medicaid eligibility criteria. This includes the following:
• Adults 19 or 20 years of age and still living with parents
• Children under 19 years of age
• Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 with no children who live in Medicaid expansion states
• Individuals who are eligible for the Family Planning Benefit Program
• Guardians/parents or family members living in the same household
• Pregnant women
Non-MAGI individuals must meet other criteria. Eligible individuals typically include:
• Foster care children up to 26 years of age, including those who were on Medicaid on their 18th birthday
• Individuals who are living in adult homes run by the Local Department of Social Services or the Office of Minority Health Residential Care Centers and Community Residences
• Medicare beneficiaries making less than 100% of the federal poverty level
A lawyer may offer helpful advice when it comes to health care and Medicaid issues. Consult an attorney to assist you with long-term care planning options that work best for you.
