Qualifying for Medicaid: questions and answers

Find out if you qualify in your state

Looking for info on how to qualify for Medicaid coverage? Start by choosing your state. 

Can't find your state in the drop-down menu? At this time, we may not offer Aetna Better Health plans in your state. Visit Healthcare.gov to learn about other coverage options you may be eligible for.

2. Am I eligible for Medicaid if I have savings but can no longer work?

Maybe. The answer varies by state. In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you’re over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may consider any gifts or transfers of cash you’ve made recently.

3.  Can I qualify for Medicaid if I got laid off and was offered COBRA?

Maybe. For many people, COBRA, the insurance you can buy into when you lose your job, is too expensive. And even if you enroll in COBRA, you can still apply for Medicaid. You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid anytime. If you qualify for Medicaid, you can drop your COBRA coverage even after you enrolled in it.

More about COBRA

4.  Will I lose my Medicaid coverage if I lose my job? What if I find a new job? How about my family members?

No, if you lose your job, you won’t lose your Medicaid coverage. Unlike employer-sponsored plans, Medicaid is not tied to your job. You’ll still have it even if you lose your job for any reason. 

Finding a new job may only affect your Medicaid coverage if it earns you more money. Your new financial situation will determine whether you qualify for Medicaid. Your eligibility is based on things like:

• Income

• Age

• Where you live

• Whether you’re a United States citizen 

• Whether or not you have a disability or are pregnant

• Family size

• Your role in your household

In general, if your situation changes, it’s best to check your eligibility to make sure you still qualify for Medicaid.

5. Can we get help from Medicaid to support our new baby if one of us is out of work? 

Maybe. Even if you don’t qualify, your child might. Families that apply for Medicaid will find out whether their children qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP coverage varies by state.

6. Does the state I live in affect whether I can get Medicaid?

Yes. Income and other requirements may vary by state. Search for your state’s Medicaid program to find out more about coverage options. Aetna Better Health® is available in the highlighted states:

7. How much will Medicaid cost me?

It depends. Every state is different. You will probably not have to pay a monthly premium for Medicaid, but most people do have some out-of-pocket costs. Some services are fully covered with no extra cost to you. These may include:

• Emergency services

• Family-planning services

• Pregnancy-related services 

• Preventive care for children 

8. With so many Medicaid plans available, do I qualify for some plans and not others?

Yes. Like employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicaid offers different plans for different people based on their needs and eligibility. In some states, there’s a long list of options. A quick search for your state’s Medicaid program will show you the options and help you figure out which ones make sense for your family.

9.  Is there a way I can get help to choose which Medicaid plan is right for my family and me?

Yes. A Medicaid representative in your state should be able to answer any specific questions you might have. Keep in mind, it’s common for people in the same family to qualify for different plans.

Visit the Find Local Help page on Healthcare.gov. From there, you can search for Medicaid representatives or other agents who can help you in your state.