What to Know About Medicaid & How it Can Slash Your Phone Bill
Millions of Americans are still unemployed, and experts are doubtful that we will reach herd immunity any time soon (resistance to an infectious disease in large populations, primarily due to vaccinations). As a result, several households and individuals unable to cover their medical expenses. Much of the population receives health insurance through their employer. With many still unemployed, and no insurance to cover medical bills, some individuals worry about even small medical costs. If this situation sounds familiar, you may be eligible for Medicaid, a public health insurance program that helps low-income individuals and households. Most people who enroll in Medicaid lack access to affordable health insurance. Here, we’ll help you determine if you qualify for enrollment. If so, you may also be eligible for the Lifeline Program, a government program established by the FCC that can slash your phone bill. More about that later.
Am I Eligible for Medicaid?
You may be eligible for Medicaid on financial and non-financial criteria. You can determine financial eligibility by yourModified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). However, some individuals are exempt from the MAGI procedure. These are:
- The blind
- The disabled
- People aged 65 and older
People who are exempt will be eligible for Medicaid by income procedures established in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The SSI program is separate and administered by the Social Security Administration.
Some groups are automatically eligible and do not require income determination to enroll in Medicaid. For example, individuals who enroll in other eligible programs, young adults who meet the eligibility requirements as former foster care recipients, etc. will automatically qualify for Medicaid.
In addition to income, individuals must meet non-financial requirements. These include:
- State residency. Individuals must be residents of the state in which they apply for Medicaid.
- Citizenship. If you apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-U.S. citizen.
- Other requirements regard age, pregnancy, and whether you are a parent (biological, step-parent, adoptive, guardian, foster parent or custodian of a minor).
For more information on financial and non-financial eligibility requirements, visit the Medicaid government website.
How Can I Apply for Medicaid?
You can apply for this government funded program through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which are state organizations for people to buy health insurance. Alternatively, you can enroll through your state’s Medicaid agency.
Individuals should apply even if they don’t meet the income requirements because they may meet others. For example, individuals who have children, are pregnant, or even struggle with a disability may fall into this category.
You can enroll in Medicaid any time of the year. Unlike with health insurance, applications for this program are always accepted.
What Does Medicaid Cover?
It’s up to the state you reside in to establish the scope of Medicaid services to create the most effective plan for the state’s residents. However, there are federal requirements that every state must meet. The federal mandatory benefits include:
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Physician services
- Laboratory and x-ray services
- Home health services
- Family planning services
- Certified pediatric and family nurse practitioner services
- Transportation to medical care
- Among other services
How Medicaid Can Slash Your Phone Bill
If you currently find it difficult to cover medical bills, you may have other expenses you struggle to pay. If your phone service is one of them, consider enrolling in the Lifeline Program. Lifeline is a program established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is available to low-income individuals and households.
One of the ways you can qualify for Lifeline assistance is if you have a gross household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You may also be eligible if you participate in one (or multiple) government programs, including Medicaid.
Slash Your Phone Bill with Q Link Wireless
We understand there are many Lifeline providers to choose from, but not all are among the nation’s leading providers of the Lifeline government benefit program. At Q Link Wireless, we provide FREE monthly cell phone service to eligible participants. When our customers enroll in the Lifeline program, they receive:
- FREE Data
- FREE Talk
- FREE & UNLIMITED Text
Are you ready to get rid of your phone bill?
Find out if you qualify for Lifeline today! Take five minutes to sign up with Q Link Wireless.
If you have additional questions about the Lifeline assistance program, feel free to contact us at 1-855-754-6543 . A Q Link Wireless representative will be happy to assist you!
