The Medicare & Medicaid Center

As you may or may not know, Medicaid is different than Medicare. With Medicare, when you turn 65 years of age, if you are receiving Social Security Benefits, you are almost always automatically enrolled in Medicare.

Medicaid is different. Information about whether or not you are eligible is determined by your state’s Department of Children and Families. This department helps determine whether children and/or their families have an income under a certain amount so that they can qualify for coverage.

Also, if you are on SSI or SSDI, you can get information through the Social Security Administration. Another important resource is your local Health Department or Department of Workforce Services. These two departments usually have information and phone numbers, as well as websites that will direct you to your state’s program. You will be able to discuss your individual situation with a representative who will help you with the qualification and enrollment process.

Most states also have a Social Security Insurance related fact sheet that will give you information about Medicaid eligibility for disabled, blind and aged individuals, including any Medicare cost-sharing information for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries, Specific Low Income Beneficiaries and other Qualified Individuals.

It is also easy to find Medicaid information for your state by typing Medicaid in (your state’s name) into Google or other search engine. This will pull up several sites. Beware, however, to be careful that you are not searching sites that charge you or sites that are trying to sell you information or legal services. You should not have to pay for information regarding Medicaid eligibility.