Would this allow someone to get Medicaid?

Hello all,

I was just wondering, if I were to be diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, such as cancer/MS/etc., would that automatically qualify me for Medicaid? I've been denied three times despite the fact that I am a very low-income college student.

Thanks,
Mike

[Amir Mostafaie]

Dear Mike,

Being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease will not necessarily make one eligible for Medicaid, however if one is deemed disabled due the condition, they may become eligible for Medicaid.  

Below are situations that can make one eligible for Medicaid (I know some don't apply to you, but I am including all for the benefit of future readers):

Pregnant Women

Apply for Medicaid if you think you are pregnant. You may be eligible if you are married or single. If you are on Medicaid when your child is born, both you and your child will be covered.

Children and Teenagers

Apply for Medicaid if you are the parent or guardian of a child who is 18 years old or younger and your family's income is limited, or if your child is sick enough to need nursing home care, but could stay home with good quality care at home. If you are a teenager living on your own, the state may allow you to apply for Medicaid on your own behalf or any adult may apply for you. Many states also cover children up to age 21.

Person who is Aged, Blind, and/or Disabled

Apply if you are aged (65 years old or older), blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Apply if you are terminally ill and want to get hospice services. Apply if you are aged, blind, or disabled; live in a nursing home; and have limited income and resources. Apply if you are aged, blind, or disabled and need nursing home care, but can stay at home with special community care services. Apply if you are eligible for Medicare and have limited income and resources.

Other Situations

Apply if you are leaving welfare and need health coverage. Apply if you are a family with children under age 18 and have limited income and resources. (You do not need to be receiving a welfare check.) Apply if you have very high medical bills, which you cannot pay (and you are pregnant, under age 18 or over age 65, blind, or disabled).

Screening Tools

To help you see if you may be eligible for a variety of governmental programs, you may access the GovBenefits and BenefitsCheckUp websites (see Related Links Inside CMS listed below).

http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal

http://www.benefitscheckup.org/

Also have you ever looked into Cover Florida at http://www.coverfloridahealthcare.com/

Sincerely,

Amir Mostafaie