Medicaid

Medicaid was established as law in 1965 to provide medical benefits to low-income individuals. It is a joint program funded both by federal and state governments. States determine eligibility for Medicaid based on need. Under federal law, they are required to provide Medicaid to individuals in the following key categories:

Categorically Needy Individuals

1. Families who qualify for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
2. Pregnant women
3. Children under the age of 6 whose family income is below 133% of poverty
4. Children of ages 6-19 with families whose income is up to 100% of poverty
5. Relatives or legal guardians who take care of children under the age of 18
6. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
7. Individuals living in medical institutions, such as long-term care facilities, who have monthly incomes up to 300% of the SSI standard

Medically Needy Individuals