Health Insurance – Medicaid
What it is
Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program designed to provide coverage for low-income individuals and families.
Medicaid covers all of the medically necessary healthcare services you will ever need and it is free to you. This is important. You have probably heard how expensive American insurance is. We know that you may be afraid to use all of your Medicaid benefits because of the worry that you may be charged. You will never be charged for Medicaid. It is 100% free for you.
When applying for Medicaid, you have the option to request retroactive coverage for medical services received in the three months prior to your application. This means that if you received any medical services that you had to pay for in the last three months before you applied, you can request that Medicaid covers it for you. The exact details of retroactive coverage will vary by state, so please check with your resettlement agency.
Medicaid can have different names in different states. For example, in California, Medicaid goes by the name Medi-Cal, and in Washington state, it’s referred to as Apple Health. Make sure to check what Medicaid is called in your state.
Coverage
Medicaid coverage can vary by state, but it generally includes a comprehensive range of medical services:
Doctor visits: Medicaid typically covers visits to primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers.
Hospital services: Inpatient hospital care, including surgeries, emergency room visits, and overnight stays, is generally covered by Medicaid.
Prescription medications: Medicaid provides coverage for a wide range of prescription drugs.
Laboratory tests and screenings: Medicaid covers necessary laboratory work, diagnostic tests, and screenings.
Preventive care: Services such as vaccinations, annual check-ups, and preventive screenings are often covered by Medicaid.
Maternity and newborn care: Prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for pregnant women, as well as healthcare for newborns, are typically covered.
Mental health and substance abuse services: Medicaid includes coverage for mental health treatments, counseling, and substance abuse services.
Rehabilitation services: Coverage may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services. Please note that these may be limited to a certain number per year.
Long-term care: Medicaid provides coverage for long-term care services, including nursing home care and rehabilitation, for eligible individuals (most commonly seniors).
It's important to note that the specific services covered can vary by state, so we recommend that once you receive your health insurance, you reach out to your insurance provider and ask for coverage details on the services you need.
Eligibility
Most Ukrainians arriving under U4U on humanitarian parole are eligible for Medicaid.
Medicaid eligibility is determined by factors like income, immigration status, and residency. Some states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) limit Medicaid eligibility to specific groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, or disabled individuals. Medicaid income thresholds differ by state. Typically, it is 138% of the federal poverty level for adults and higher for children.
After acquiring Medicaid, you are expected to notify the agency of any changes to your income or assets. The amount of time you have to do this depends on the state, but it is typically between ten and thirty days.
Duration
Medicaid generally needs to be renewed (sometimes referred to as being “recertified”) once a year. During this renewal, the Medicaid agency will check your income to make sure you’re still eligible for Medicaid. This process is typically done automatically, but sometimes you are required to submit a new form.
How to apply
Gather all necessary documents
Read the application process
Apply here.
You have options for healthcare
Navigating the US healthcare system can seem daunting, but you have many options available to help you including:
For more general info about what it’s like to obtain health care in the US, the documents you’ll need, and how to apply, visit our healthcare general info page.