(BPT) – Health care is essential for everyone throughout their life. To further equity, improve outcomes, and increase access, it is important that people are able to get the care they need when and where they need it. However, the American healthcare system can be complex. Medicaid is a government-sponsored program that helps provide low- and often no-cost health coverage to those who qualify, but a recent study found there is confusion about what Medicaid is and who it supports.
When many people think of Medicaid, they think of low-income pregnant women and babies. What you may not know is that Medicaid covers 1 in 5 Americans—everyone from children, those living with a disability, and low-income elderly. Regarding the elderly, there are special considerations for nursing home residents, and Attorney Scott C. Painter, P.C., of the Reading-Berks County, PA, area, can guide you through the process of creating a sound plan.
Here are answers to some additional misunderstandings about Medicaid from the experts at UnitedHealthcare:
Myth: People stay on Medicaid for life.
Fact: Most people are on Medicaid for less than three years. It can provide the security you need when you need it most.
Myth: Medicaid is for pregnant women.
Fact: Yes, Medicaid supports pregnant women, covering 43% of all U.S. births, but it continues to provide health coverage to support post-partum needs and children. Medicaid provides health coverage to 37 million children, and nearly 67% of children under the age of five that are covered get a yearly well-child appointment.
Myth: Only people in poverty are on Medicaid.
Fact: Medicaid helps people with limited finances, but more people may qualify than they think. In fact, three-quarters of Medicaid members have a household income of $50,000 or more, plus, 38 states have adopted Medicaid Expansion, which covers childless adults with incomes up to 138% above Federal Poverty Level.
Myth: To qualify for Medicaid, you have to be unemployed.
Fact: A recent survey by UnitedHealthcare showed that more than half of those polled believe Medicaid recipients are unemployed, but 62% of able-bodied Medicaid members are working or in school and 12% are looking for work.
Myth: Young adults coming off their parents’ insurance can’t use Medicaid.
Fact: Due to Medicaid Expansion in some states, more people may be eligible for Medicaid coverage now who were not in the past. About 3 in 4 people covered through Expansion are childless adults — a population historically unable to qualify for Medicaid.
There is a lack of understanding about what Medicaid is and who it supports, and many people may not realize they could qualify for Medicaid, even while working, in school, or turning 26 and coming off their parents’ insurance. Learn more at MedicaidHelper.com. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid where you live, you may be able to get health care coverage another way, like through your employer or your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
The high cost of nursing home care has made long-term planning a critical issue for nearly all middle-class seniors and their families. A senior’s savings can be depleted very quickly, leading to financial crisis. One way to address this kind of concern is through proper Medicaid planning with the help of an experienced lawyer. The Law Office of Scott C. Painter, P.C. will leverage over 25 years of experience to assist you with your planning process!
The law office of elder law attorney Scott C. Painter, P.C., is located in Wyomissing (outside of Reading, PA, in Berks County,) and offers trusted legal services in the areas of elder law, including nursing home planning, trust and estate services, and veterans benefits. Scott C. Painter is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA®), and he is also a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
If you have an issue or question, we encourage you to call us. With legal matters, time is of the essence. Call us for a consultation at 610-378-5140. The $300 consultation fee is waived if Attorney Painter is retained to perform services.