What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health insurance program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources. Medicaid is jointly funded by the states and the federal government. Medicaid is administered by the states. Medicaid is considered a secondary payor to Medicare and other health insurances. If an individual has both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid will only pay for services not covered by Medicare. Medicaid will also pay the deductibles and copays for Medicare or other primary health insurers. When Medicaid is the primary coverage, it pays the entire expense of care less any shared costs determined by the Medicaid enrollee's income and assets.
Medicaid covers inpatient hospitalizations, short-term skilled nursing facility stays, extended and long-term care stays in a nursing facility, home health, hospice, physician visits, outpatient tests, therapy, medications, certain supplies and equipment, and many other services.
SMI, Inc. is a certified Medicaid providers.
How do I qualify for Medicaid?
To qualify for Medicaid, an individual must pass a means test in which his/her income and assets are reviewed. The income and asset thresholds vary from state to state. For Medicaid applicants with a surviving spouse, the spouse will be allowed to keep certain assets such as a house and automobile and continue to receive income up to a limit.
The practice of transferring assets to children or friends in order to qualify for Medicaid is illegal. States are required by federal statute to look back 5 years from a Medicaid application date to determine if assets have been transferred.
How do I apply for Medicaid?
Please make an appointment with Business Office Manager to discuss your situation so they can assist with the filling out of the application and guiding you in the process.
You may also find more information at the following web site:
NC Division of Medical Assistance (http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma)