Medicaid helps people with certain disabilities to get medical coverage if they’re under 65. To qualify, you must meet specific medical and financial requirements. Medical conditions that qualify for Medicaid include blindness, deafness, being unable to do basic activities of daily living, or having a severe mental illness. Financial requirements vary among states, but income and asset limits are typically used to determine eligibility. Medicaid can cover different medical services, depending on your state’s program. It is essential to apply for Medicaid if you have a disability and meet the eligibility requirements to access necessary medical care.
Blindness or Low Vision
To be eligible for Medicaid under the blindness or low vision disability category, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be legally blind in both eyes
- Have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the best possible correction
- Have a visual field of 20 degrees or less in the better eye
If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for Medicaid benefits, including:
- Medical care
- Prescription drugs
- Hospital care
- Nursing home care
- Home health care
- Personal care services
To apply for Medicaid benefits, you can contact the Medicaid office in your state.
| State | Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,676 per month | $2,000 |
| Alaska | $2,382 per month | $2,500 |
| Arizona | $1,676 per month | $2,000 |
| Arkansas | $1,676 per month | $2,000 |
| California | $2,382 per month | $2,500 |
Deafness or Hard of Hearing
Individuals under the age of 65 who are deaf or hard of hearing may qualify for Medicaid if they meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria vary from state to state, but typically include:
- Hearing loss: The individual must have a severe hearing loss that impairs their ability to communicate or participate in daily activities.
- Functional limitations: The hearing loss must result in functional limitations, such as difficulty understanding speech, communicating with others, or participating in social activities.
- Income and assets: The individual must meet the income and asset limits set by the state.
In some states, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may also qualify for Medicaid if they meet other criteria, such as having a disability that prevents them from working or having a child with a disability.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing and think you may qualify for Medicaid, contact your state’s Medicaid office to learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process.
The following table provides an overview of the Medicaid eligibility criteria for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in each state:
| State | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and meet the income and asset limits may qualify for Medicaid. |
| Alaska | Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and meet the income and asset limits may qualify for Medicaid. |
| Arizona | Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and meet the income and asset limits may qualify for Medicaid. |
| Arkansas | Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and meet the income and asset limits may qualify for Medicaid. |
| California | Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and meet the income and asset limits may qualify for Medicaid. |
What Disabilities Qualify for Medicaid Under 65?
Medicaid is a government health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. In most states, Medicaid eligibility is limited to people who are elderly, disabled, or children. In some states, Medicaid may also be available to pregnant women and other adults who meet certain income requirements.
To qualify for Medicaid based on a disability, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be under the age of 65.
- You must have a disability that prevents you from working.
- Your disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
Intellectual Disability
An intellectual disability is a condition that affects a person’s intellectual abilities, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Intellectual disabilities can range from mild to severe. People with intellectual disabilities may need help with everyday activities, such as dressing, eating, and using the bathroom.
To qualify for Medicaid based on an intellectual disability, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have an intellectual disability that is severe enough to prevent you from working.
- Your intellectual disability must have started before you turned 22 years old.
| Disability | Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|
| Intellectual Disability |
|
If you are not sure whether you meet the criteria for Medicaid based on a disability, you can contact your local Medicaid office for more information.
Mobility Impairment
Medicaid coverage for individuals under the age of 65 with mobility impairments varies from state to state. Generally, to qualify for Medicaid with a mobility impairment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be under 65 years of age.
- Have a mobility impairment that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability.
- Meet your state’s Medicaid income and asset limits.
The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or to result in death.
In order to meet the SSA’s definition of disability, you must have a severe impairment that significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities, such as walking, standing, sitting, or lifting. Your impairment must also be expected to last for at least 12 months or to result in death.
The SSA uses a five-step process to determine if you are disabled:
- Are you currently working?
- Is your impairment severe?
- Does your impairment meet or equal a listed impairment?
- Can you perform your past relevant work?
- Can you perform any other type of work?
If you answer “no” to the first question or “yes” to the second, third, fourth, or fifth questions, you will be found disabled. If you answer “yes” to the first question and “no” to the second, third, fourth, and fifth questions, you will not be found disabled.
Once you have been found disabled by the SSA, you can apply for Medicaid in your state. Each state has its own Medicaid program, so the eligibility requirements will vary. However, in general, you must meet the following income and asset limits to qualify for Medicaid:
| Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|
| 138% of the federal poverty level | $2,000 for an individual |
If you meet the income and asset limits, you will be eligible for Medicaid coverage. Medicaid will cover a variety of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and durable medical equipment.
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