Medicaid for Health Coverage

For those who are unable to afford health insurance, Nevada offers programs such as Medicaid and Nevada Check Up to low-income residents. These plans include free or subsidized health insurance, direct medical coverage and other assistance needed.

Medicaid is a program offered to low-income Nevada residents. It is offered to pregnant women, the elderly and those with disabilities. These groups of people can obtain Medicaid if state and federal qualifications are met. Immigrants who are not citizens but have attained legal residency in the U.S. may qualify, but immigrants without immigration documents will not. Exceptions are emergency medical situations where someone is in a life threatening condition.

In Nevada, infants, children, pregnant women, and single parents with a low income are eligible for Medicaid. The low income is calculated by certain standards which may vary from state to state. Eligibility in Nevada does not ensure eligibility in another state.

In general, income is measured on a scale. Often expenses and assets will be taken into consideration. In Nevada, income eligibility is measured as a percent of federal poverty. For infants 0-1, it is 133 percent for a family of three earning around $1,665 monthly. For children 1-5 years of age, it is also 133 percent, children 6-17 the poverty level must be 100 percent, teens 18-19 must be in the 78 percent range, parents must be 87 percent and pregnant women must be 133 percent relative to the poverty percentage. This information was compiled by several different sources such as the Center for Budget and Policy Profiles, Kaiser Family Foundation, Families USA among others.

If you are interested in knowing how your income compares to the federal poverty rate, there are relative statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for 2002. For a family of one, the annual poverty income is $8,860. For a family of two, the annual income is $11,940. For three people it is $15,020. For families larger than three, $3,080 would be added for each additional person in the family.

Parents who receive benefits under TANF under a group plan, Medicaid coverage will continue for up to 12 months after the TANF benefits end. Your children may also qualify for Medicaid if your family’s income meets the eligibility requirements for income level.

Poor, elderly or disabled people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are automatically applicable for Medicaid. Those with disabilities who have SSI will still have Medicaid coverage for a limited time even if the SSI ends due to income increases.

If income level is between 100 percent and 120 percent of the federal poverty level, Medicaid will pay for your monthly Medicare premiums, under a plan called SLMB, acronym for Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program.

To find out if you or your family qualified for Medicaid, contact the Nevada Division of Welfare. Should you be eligible, you can apply for Medicaid at Nevada Division of Welfare offices or other outreach sites.