Medicaid is a government sponsored health insurance. It is for low income families and those with inadequate insurance. All states offer medicaid or a program similar to it to assist pregnant women receive adequate prenatal and postnatal care.

Who is eligible for medicaid ?

The general guidelines for eligibility are set by the federal government . However each state sets up their own specific requirement for eligibility. This may differ from state to state. However all states are required to include a group of people into their medicaid plan. These people include :

• medically needy :  This will cover pregnant woman who make too much money to qualify in the “categorically needy” group. This means that women, who may have been denied before, may be able to qualify now. This is also known as expanded eligibility
• categorically needy : This  will cover pregnant women whose income level is at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty level
• special groups

What do i need to provide to qualify for medicaid ?

You need to contact your local medicaid office to find out what documents they require. However most offices require the  following :

• proof of pregnancy
• proof of income
• proof of citizenship if  a legal  US resident
• proof of non citizenship if not a US citizen

What benefits do medicaid for pregnant women provide ?

Just like other healthcare assistance program , this program  doesnot provide monetary  benefits directly to participants. Certain health care providers and health care facilities have a contract with medicaid to treat those who are covered by medicaid insurance.

When you receive your  benefits, you will be given  a list of providers or website to look for providers in your area. As long as your receive care from a medicaid provider, your health care cost will be submitted to medicaid and covered.

Pregnant women are covered for all pregnancy related care including  delivery and any complications that may arise during pregnancy and up to 60 days postpartum.

Pregnant women may also qualify for care they received for their pregnancy before they applied to medicaid.  Some states call this presumptive eligibility. This is to encourage pregnant women  to get prenatal care as early as possible.

Pregnant women are given priority.  Most offices qualify pregnant women within 2 to 3 weeks . If you need medical care before then, you need to talk to your local office about a temporary card.

How can i determine if i qualify for medicaid ?

There are many ways to qualify for medicaid. Even though income is part of it, it is not the only determining  factor. Even people with the lowest income may not qualify  if they fall into other medicaid groups. People with middle range income may qualify is they fall in one of the qualifying categories .

If you are pregnant and uninsured, talk to your local medicaid office to find out if medicaid is right for you.

 
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