I’m a Freelancer With Wildly Fluctuating Income. Here’s How I Keep My Medicaid.
My Rollercoaster Paycheck and My Stable Healthcare
As a freelance graphic designer, my income is a “feast or famine” rollercoaster. One month I might land a big project and earn $5,000; the next three months, I might earn nothing. I was terrified this would constantly kick me on and off of Medicaid. My secret is meticulous record-keeping. I use my tax return’s Schedule C to show my annual net profit, which is low. When it’s time for renewal, I provide my tax return and a profit-and-loss statement to show my average income over the year, not just one lucky month.
How to Get Medicaid When You’re in the Middle of a Messy Divorce
My Separation Was My Qualification
My husband and I were in the middle of a nasty divorce and were living separately. His high income had always disqualified me from getting help. I was stuck. I learned that for Medicaid purposes, since we were no longer living together, I could apply as a separate household of one. I had to provide proof of my new address, like a utility bill in my name. I applied using only my own, much lower income. I was approved for coverage long before the divorce was finalized. The physical separation was the key.
I’m a US Citizen Living Abroad. Can I Get Medicaid When I Return?
The Day I Came Home, The Day I Applied
After ten years living overseas, I moved back to the United States to care for my aging parents. I had no job and no insurance. I was a U.S. citizen, but I was worried I wouldn’t be considered a “resident” for Medicaid. The day I moved into my parents’ home in Ohio, I went to the county office. I showed them my passport and a letter from my parents confirming I was now living with them. I was able to apply for Medicaid that very day by establishing my intent to reside in the state.
A Guide to Medicaid for Recently Paroled or Incarcerated Individuals
My Fresh Start Included My Health
When I was released from prison, I had nothing but the clothes on my back. My parole officer told me that getting my health in order was a top priority. She helped me apply for Medicaid on my first day of freedom. Because I had no income and no assets, I was immediately eligible. My Medicaid coverage gave me access to a doctor for the first time in years, covered my prescriptions, and connected me with mental health services to help me with my transition. It was a crucial part of my successful reentry into the community.
I’m a “Van Life” Nomad. Here’s How I Established Residency for Medicaid.
No Home, No Problem
I live and travel in my van, so I don’t have a traditional lease or utility bills. I was worried this would make it impossible to get Medicaid. I learned I just had to “domicile” in one state. I chose South Dakota, which is friendly to nomads. I registered my van there and got a driver’s license using a mail forwarding service address. I use a “personal mailbox” address, which is a legal street address. With my ID and vehicle registration, I was able to prove my residency and qualify for that state’s Medicaid program.
My Adult Child with a Disability Lives With Me. How Do We Navigate Medicaid?
His Income, Not Ours, Was the Key
My 25-year-old son has a developmental disability and lives at home with us. My husband and I both work, so we assumed our income would disqualify him from Medicaid. We learned about the programs for adults with disabilities. Because he is an adult, his eligibility is based on his income (which is just a small monthly disability check), not ours. He is his own household. He was approved for Medicaid, which now covers his therapies and doctor visits. It also gives him access to waiver programs for community support.
I’m a Farmer. How Are My Land and Equipment Counted for Medicaid?
The Farm Was Our Livelihood, Not a Liquid Asset
My husband and I own a small family farm. When he got sick and we needed Medicaid, we were terrified they would force us to sell it. We learned that “income-producing property” is often considered a non-countable asset. We worked with a lawyer to make sure our farm was properly structured as a business. We showed that it was our sole source of income. Because of this, the value of our land, our barn, and our tractor were not counted against us. Medicaid didn’t take our livelihood away.
A Guide to Medicaid for DACA Recipients and Other Immigrant Statuses
My Status Didn’t Define My Access to Care
As a DACA recipient, I was worried I couldn’t get health insurance. While DACA recipients are not eligible for traditional Medicaid, I learned that in my state, I was eligible for a state-funded health program that was very similar. In some states, pregnant women or children with certain immigration statuses can also qualify. And everyone, regardless of status, is eligible for emergency Medicaid if they have a life-threatening medical event. The rules are complex, but there are often pathways to care even for non-citizens.
How to Get Medicaid Coverage for a Surrogacy Pregnancy
The Baby Wasn’t Mine, But the Pregnancy Was
I made the incredible decision to be a surrogate for a couple who couldn’t conceive. The intended parents had great insurance, but it wouldn’t cover my medical care during the pregnancy. I was working a low-wage job. I applied for Pregnancy Medicaid. My eligibility was based on my own income, not the intended parents’ income. The fact that the baby wasn’t biologically mine was irrelevant. I was the one who was pregnant, and Medicaid covered all of my prenatal care and the delivery, ensuring a healthy outcome for everyone.
I’m a Seasonal Worker. How Do I Handle My Medicaid Application?
I Applied in the Off-Season
I work as a landscaper in the summer and get laid off every winter. My income is a rollercoaster. The key for me to get Medicaid was timing. I waited to apply until my “off-season” in January. On the application, I could honestly state that my current monthly income was zero. I submitted my tax return from the previous year to show my total annual income, but I emphasized that my present ability to pay for insurance was non-existent. Applying during my lean months was the smartest move I made.
We’re an Unmarried Couple Living Together. How Does That Affect Our Eligibility?
My Partner’s Paycheck Didn’t Count
My boyfriend and I have lived together for five years. He has a good job, but I work part-time and have no insurance. When I applied for Medicaid, I was so worried they would count his income against me. I learned that because we are not legally married, for Medicaid purposes, we are two separate households. His income was completely irrelevant to my application. My eligibility was based solely on my own income, as a household of one. Our decision not to marry was what allowed me to qualify for the healthcare I needed.
How to Get Medicaid for a Child You Have Legal Guardianship Of
I Was Her Guardian, and Medicaid Was Her Guard
I became the legal guardian for my niece after she came to live with us. My husband and I were worried about the cost of her healthcare. A social worker told us that as a child in a legal guardianship, her eligibility for Medicaid was not based on our income. It was based on her own status. We had to provide the court documents proving our guardianship. She was quickly approved for her own Medicaid plan, which covered all her check-ups and medical needs.
I Just Won a Small Lottery Jackpot. How Do I Avoid Losing My Medicaid?
The Winnings I Almost Lost My Health Over
I won $10,000 on a scratch-off lottery ticket. It was amazing, but I was on Medicaid and I panicked. I knew the lump sum would push me over the asset limit. I immediately called my caseworker and reported the winnings. I knew I would be ineligible for Medicaid for a short time. I used the money to pre-pay my rent for a year and buy a more reliable used car—things I desperately needed. Once the money was spent down on these permissible items, I was able to re-apply and get my coverage back.
A Guide for Clergy and Religious Workers with Vows of Poverty
My Vow of Poverty, My Path to Healthcare
I am a member of a religious order and have taken a vow of poverty. I do not earn a traditional salary. My order provides for my basic needs like food and housing. When I needed medical care, I applied for Medicaid. To prove my income, I provided a letter from the leader of my religious order. The letter explained my vow of poverty and stated that I receive no personal income. This was accepted as proof of my financial status, and I was approved for the health coverage I needed.
I’m in a Clinical Trial. How Does That Work with My Medicaid Coverage?
The Two Plans That Covered My Experimental Care
I have a rare disease and my best hope was a clinical trial at a university hospital. I was worried about the costs. I learned it’s a two-part system. The company sponsoring the clinical trial paid for all the “research” costs—the experimental drug itself and any extra scans or tests required by the study. My Medicaid plan continued to pay for all my “routine” costs of care—the doctor visits, the hospital room, and any standard medications. The two worked together to cover everything.
How to Get Coverage When You’re Living in a Shelter or Unstable Housing
My Shelter Address Was My Official Address
I lost my apartment and was staying at a local homeless shelter. I got sick and needed to see a doctor. I thought that without a permanent address, I couldn’t apply for Medicaid. The shelter’s case manager helped me. She told me to use the shelter’s address on the application. She also wrote an official letter for me, on the shelter’s letterhead, verifying that I was a resident there. This was enough to prove my residency in the state, and my application was approved.
I’m an Expat Retiring Back to the US. What Are My Medicaid Options?
Coming Home to a Healthcare Puzzle
After 20 years working abroad, I retired back to my home state of Oregon. I wasn’t old enough for Medicare yet, and I had no income. I needed health insurance. The day I moved back and signed a lease for an apartment, I established residency. I went to the state health marketplace website and applied for the Oregon Health Plan (the state’s Medicaid program). Because I was a legal resident with no current income, I was approved for coverage, which was a crucial safety net as I got resettled.
A Guide for Members of the Gig Economy (Instacart, TaskRabbit, etc.)
My Side Hustle and My Health Plan
My income is a patchwork of different gig economy jobs—a little from Instacart, a little from TaskRabbit. There are no pay stubs. When I applied for Medicaid, I had to be my own accountant. I downloaded the earnings reports from each app. I also used a mileage tracking app to document my car expenses. I submitted all of these reports together to show both my total income and my business expenses. The state understood this new way of working and used my “net” income to approve my application.
How to Get Medicaid for a Victim of Human Trafficking
A Path to Healing and Health
When I was finally able to escape a human trafficking situation, I had nothing. I was physically and emotionally broken. A case manager at a survivor’s advocacy center told me that my health was the first priority. She explained that as a victim of a severe crime, I was eligible for special assistance. She helped me apply for Medicaid. The application process was handled with confidentiality and care. My Medicaid coverage gave me access to the medical care, trauma therapy, and support I needed to begin to heal and rebuild my life.
I’m a Live-In Caregiver. Does My Free Room and Board Count as Income?
The “In-Kind” Income I Didn’t Have to Report
I work as a live-in caregiver for an elderly woman. In exchange for my help, I get free room and board, but only a very small cash stipend. When I applied for Medicaid, I was worried they would count the value of my “free” rent as income. I learned that for Medicaid purposes, “in-kind support and maintenance” is generally not considered countable income. I only had to report my small cash stipend. This distinction was the key that allowed me to qualify for the health coverage I needed.
Navigating Medicaid After a Natural Disaster (Like a Hurricane or Wildfire)
The Storm Took My House, But Not My Health Coverage
Our town was hit by a wildfire, and we lost everything. We were living in a temporary shelter, and my son got sick. I had lost all my documents—our birth certificates, my pay stubs. I went to a disaster relief center, and there was a Medicaid worker there. She told me that after a federal disaster declaration, the state makes it much easier to apply for Medicaid. They were able to use a database to verify our identity, and they approved our application on an emergency basis.
How to Get Coverage if You’re Medically Evacuated to a Different State
The Flight That Crossed State Lines, and the Insurance That Followed
My son had a rare condition and had to be medically evacuated from our rural hospital to a specialized children’s hospital in another state. I was terrified that our home state’s Medicaid wouldn’t cover it. The hospital social worker explained that for a true, life-threatening emergency, Medicaid plans are required to cover out-of-state care. She worked with our home state’s Medicaid office to get a “prior authorization” for the out-of-state hospital stay. It was a lot of paperwork on her end, but it ensured his life-saving care was completely covered.
A Guide for “Snowbirds” Who Live in Two States Per Year
One Permanent Home, One Medicaid Plan
My parents are “snowbirds.” They spend the summer in New York and the winter in Florida. They asked me which state they should apply for Medicaid in. The rule is that you can only have one primary state of residence for Medicaid purposes. They had to choose one state to be their official “domicile.” They chose Florida, where they were registered to vote and had their car registered. They have Florida Medicaid, which covers them there. If they have an emergency while in New York, it’s covered, but their regular care must be in their home state.
I Have a Complicated Trust Fund. Can I Still Qualify for Medicaid?
The Trust That Was a Fortress, Not a Bank Account
I am the beneficiary of a “discretionary trust” that my grandparents set up for me. The trustee gives me money for some expenses, but I don’t have direct access to the funds. When I needed to apply for Medicaid, I was worried the trust would be a problem. We had to submit the entire trust document to the Medicaid office for review. Because it was a properly structured discretionary trust, the assets in the trust were not considered “countable assets” for me. It was a legal fortress that protected my eligibility.
How to Handle Medicaid When You’re a Full-Time RVer
My Home Has Wheels, My Healthcare Has Roots
My husband and I live full-time in an RV. We travel, but we have a “home base” state where we are registered to vote, have our driver’s licenses, and get our mail. That is our state of legal domicile. We applied for that state’s Medicaid program. We use our mail forwarding service address as our official address. We have to return to our home state to get most of our regular medical care, but if we have a true emergency on the road in another state, our Medicaid will cover it.
A Guide for Military Spouses Who Move Frequently
The Move That Didn’t Disrupt Our Care
As a military spouse, I move every few years when my husband gets new orders. It used to be a nightmare to re-establish health coverage. I have a child with special needs who is on Medicaid. Now, there are better rules in place. Before we move, I contact the “Exceptional Family Member Program” (EFMP) advocate on base. They help me start the Medicaid application process in our new state before we even arrive. This helps ensure there is no gap in my child’s crucial medical coverage when we make our military move.
I’m Receiving a Personal Injury Settlement. Here’s How to Structure It.
The Settlement That Didn’t Take Away My Benefits
I was on Medicaid, and I was about to receive a settlement from a slip-and-fall lawsuit. I knew that a lump sum of cash would make me lose my health coverage. I worked with a personal injury lawyer who understood Medicaid rules. He helped me structure the settlement so that the money was paid directly into a “Special Needs Trust.” This way, the money could be used to improve my quality of life, but it never technically counted as my asset. This legal structure allowed me to accept the settlement without jeopardizing the health benefits I rely on.
How to Get Medicaid if You’re Under 18 and Emancipated
My Freedom, and My Health Insurance
I was legally emancipated from my parents when I was 17. I was my own legal adult, but I was still a teenager with a part-time job. I was responsible for my own healthcare. I applied for Medicaid as an independent adult. I had to provide the court order proving my emancipation. My eligibility was based only on my own small income, not my parents’ finances. I was approved for coverage, which was a crucial safety net as I started my adult life early.
A Guide for International Students with Medical Emergencies in the US
The Appendicitis That Didn’t Bankrupt My American Dream
I’m an international student studying in the U.S. My student health plan had a very high deductible. During my first semester, I had an emergency appendectomy. The hospital bill was more than my entire year’s tuition. I was terrified. The hospital’s international student advisor helped me apply for “Emergency Medicaid.” Because it was a life-threatening emergency, I was eligible for coverage for the hospital stay, regardless of my immigration status. It was a little-known program that saved me from having to drop out of school and go home.
I Was Adopted. How Does That Affect My Eligibility as a Young Adult?
The Adoption That Came With a Health Benefit
I was adopted out of the foster care system when I was a child. When I turned 18, I was worried about losing my health insurance. I learned about a special provision of the Affordable Care Act. It states that any young adult who was in foster care and subsequently adopted is eligible for Medicaid until they turn 26, regardless of their income. My adoption history was my key to eight extra years of guaranteed health coverage. It was an incredible benefit that supported my transition into adulthood.
Navigating Medicaid as a Transgender Person: A Guide to Affirming Care
The Coverage That Affirmed My Identity
As a transgender man, finding affirming healthcare can be a challenge. My state’s Medicaid program has been a powerful ally. My plan covers my hormone replacement therapy with a very low co-pay. When it came time for my top surgery, my therapist and doctor wrote letters of medical necessity. My plan reviewed my case and approved the surgery as a covered benefit to treat gender dysphoria. I have been able to access the gender-affirming care I need to be my true self, and Medicaid has been there to cover it.
I’m an Artist and My Income is Sporadic. Here’s What I Do.
My Feast-or-Famine Finances and My Consistent Healthcare
As an artist, my income is the definition of sporadic. I might sell a painting for a few thousand dollars one month and then have no income for the next four. Keeping my Medicaid coverage requires careful documentation. I don’t rely on monthly income. Instead, at my annual renewal, I provide my Schedule C tax form from the previous year. This shows my average income over the whole year, which is low. It smooths out the “feast” months and gives the state a true picture of my modest earnings.
How to Get Medicaid When You’re on Strike from Your Job
The Picket Line and the Safety Net
I’m a union worker, and our local went on strike for two months. During that time, we had no income and our employer-sponsored health insurance was suspended. The strike was a “qualifying life event” that allowed me to apply for coverage on the state marketplace. Because our household income was temporarily zero, my entire family was approved for Medicaid. It was a crucial safety net that ensured my kids could still go to the doctor while we were walking the picket line. When the strike ended, we transitioned back to our work insurance.
A Guide for Amish and Mennonite Communities
Our Simple Life and Our Healthcare Needs
In my Amish community, we try to be self-sufficient, but sometimes a major medical event requires hospital care that we cannot afford. We learned that while our religious beliefs prevent us from accepting some forms of “commercial insurance,” many members can ethically accept Medicaid, as it is a government-run social support program. When my neighbor’s son had a serious farm accident, the community elders worked with a hospital social worker to help the family apply for Medicaid to cover his catastrophic hospital bills. It was a bridge between our simple life and modern medicine.
I’m a Foreign Diplomat’s Family Member. Are We Eligible?
The Immunity That Didn’t Extend to Healthcare
I am the spouse of a foreign diplomat working at an embassy in the United States. While my husband has diplomatic immunity from many laws, we are still residents of the state. My children were born here. When I needed to get them health coverage, I was surprised to learn they were eligible for our state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Their eligibility was based on our household income, just like any other family. Our diplomatic status was not a barrier to our children accessing the state’s healthcare safety net.
How to Get Coverage if You’re Fleeing a Domestic Violence Situation
My Escape Plan Included Health Insurance
When I finally got the courage to leave my abusive husband, I left with nothing but my kids and my car. I had no job and no money. I went to a local domestic violence shelter. The case manager there made my family’s health a top priority. She helped me apply for Medicaid on an emergency basis. Because I was now a single mother with zero income, my children and I were approved immediately. It was one less thing to worry about. I knew that if my kids got sick, I could get them care.
I Owe Back Taxes. Will That Prevent Me from Getting Medicaid?
My Tax Debt Didn’t Stop My Healthcare
I had an old, outstanding debt to the IRS that I was slowly paying off. I was worried this would prevent me from qualifying for Medicaid. I was relieved to learn that the two things are completely unrelated. Your eligibility for Medicaid is based on your current income and household size. It has absolutely nothing to do with whether you owe back taxes to the IRS or the state. My tax problems didn’t prevent me from getting the essential health coverage I needed.
A Guide for People with Rare and Orphan Diseases
The Disease Was Rare, But the Coverage Was Comprehensive
My daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. There is no cure, only complex and expensive ongoing care. Our private insurance had lifetime limits and wouldn’t cover many of her needs. A social worker helped us apply for a special Medicaid waiver program for children with complex medical needs. Her Medicaid plan became her secondary insurance. It has been a lifesaver. It covers the therapies, equipment, and specialist visits that our primary insurance denies. For families like ours, Medicaid is the only way to survive financially.
I’m a Commercial Fisherman. How is My Income Assessed?
The Ebb and Flow of My Paycheck
As a commercial fisherman, my entire annual income comes in a few intense, profitable seasons. The rest of the year, my income is zero. When I applied for Medicaid, I couldn’t just show a recent pay stub. Instead, I provided my tax returns from the last two years, which showed my average annual income. I also included a letter explaining the seasonal nature of my industry. The Medicaid office understood that my income was not a steady stream, and they based my eligibility on my low yearly average, not on one big catch.
Navigating Medicaid When a Loved One is in a Coma or Unresponsive
I Was His Voice When He Didn’t Have One
My brother was in a terrible accident and was in a coma. He was uninsured. The hospital bills were piling up, and he couldn’t apply for help himself. As his next of kin, I was able to work with the hospital social worker to file a Medicaid application on his behalf. I had to gather his financial records and sign the forms for him. It was a lot of work during a very emotional time, but getting his application approved meant that his catastrophic medical bills were covered.
I’m an American Indian/Alaska Native. How Does IHS and Medicaid Work Together?
The Two Systems That Are My Dual Lifeline
As an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe, I can get care at my local Indian Health Service (IHS) clinic. But I also qualify for my state’s Medicaid program. The two systems work together to give me the best possible care. I use the IHS clinic for my primary care and prescriptions. But if I need to see a specialist that the clinic doesn’t have, or need to be hospitalized, my Medicaid card covers the cost of that “contract health service.” It’s a powerful partnership that ensures I get comprehensive care.
How to Get Coverage for a Child Born Abroad to US Citizen Parents
Our Son Was an American, But Not on Paper Yet
My husband and I are U.S. citizens, but we were living in another country when our son was born. He was an American citizen at birth, but we were still waiting on his U.S. birth certificate and Social Security number when we moved back to the States. He got sick, and we needed to get him health insurance. We were able to apply for our state’s CHIP program for him. We used his foreign birth certificate and a letter from the U.S. embassy to prove his identity and citizenship. He was approved for coverage.
I Work “Under the Table.” Can I (and Should I) Apply for Medicaid?
The Honest Path Was the Only Path
I worked a series of odd jobs that paid me in cash. I was working “under the table.” When I needed health insurance, I was tempted to just say I had no income on my Medicaid application. I knew that would be fraud. Instead, I did my best to honestly calculate my average monthly cash income. I reported it on the application. The amount was still low enough for me to qualify. It’s always better to be honest. Lying on a government application can lead to huge penalties and even jail time.
A Guide for People in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
My Bankruptcy Didn’t Stop My Benefits
I was in the middle of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, paying back a portion of my debts over several years. I lost my job and my health insurance. I was worried that being in bankruptcy would prevent me from getting Medicaid. I learned that the two are not connected. My Medicaid eligibility was based on my current low income, not my past debts or my bankruptcy status. I was approved for Medicaid, which was a crucial safety net that helped me stay healthy while I worked through my financial recovery.
How to Get Coverage for an Organ Transplant and Post-Op Care
The Gift of Life, and the Gift of Coverage
My brother needed a kidney transplant. The surgery itself was going to be a massive expense, but the real cost was the lifetime of expensive anti-rejection medications he would need afterward. His Medicaid plan covered the entire transplant journey. It paid for the evaluation, the surgery itself, and his hospital stay. Most importantly, it continues to cover his incredibly expensive but life-saving immunosuppressant drugs every single month. Medicaid made his second chance at life possible.
I’m a Full-Time Caregiver for a Non-Relative. Can I Get Medicaid?
The Care I Gave, The Coverage I Got
I work as a full-time, live-in caregiver for an elderly man who is not related to me. My income is very low. When I needed my own health insurance, I applied for Medicaid. My eligibility was based on my own modest income, just like any other worker. The fact that I lived in my client’s home was not a factor. My low wages made me eligible for the health coverage I needed to stay healthy so I could continue to care for him.
Navigating Medicaid After a Traumatic Brain Injury
The Long Road Back, and the Plan That Paved It
A car accident left me with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). My recovery was a long, slow process involving many different kinds of therapy. My Medicaid plan was my partner on that road. It covered my inpatient rehabilitation stay. It covered my outpatient physical therapy, my occupational therapy to relearn daily tasks, and my speech therapy. It even covered the cognitive therapy I needed to help with my memory issues. Medicaid provided the comprehensive, long-term therapeutic care that was essential for my recovery.
A Guide for Newly Widowed Individuals
Grieving, and Grateful for the Help
When my husband passed away suddenly, my world fell apart. His income was gone, and so was our family’s health insurance. I was grieving and now I was also uninsured. Losing a spouse and their income is a “qualifying life event,” which allowed me to apply for new coverage. As a newly single woman with a much lower household income, I was now eligible for Medicaid. In the darkest time of my life, it was a small beacon of light to know that I wouldn’t have to worry about my own health.
I Live on a Boat. Can I Get Medicaid?
My Anchor in the Healthcare System
My permanent home is my sailboat, which is moored at a marina. When I needed to apply for Medicaid, I had to prove my residency. I used my marina slip agreement as my proof of address. I also have my boat registered in the state, and I have a state driver’s license. This was enough to establish my legal domicile. Even though my home floats, I was able to get coverage from my home state’s Medicaid program. I just have to make sure I get my regular care when I’m back in my home port.
How to Navigate the System When You Have No Birth Certificate or ID
Proving I Was Me
I lost all my personal documents, including my birth certificate and my photo ID, in an apartment fire. I needed to apply for Medicaid, but I had no way to prove my identity. A caseworker at a local social services agency was my hero. She helped me through the process. We were able to use a sworn affidavit from a relative who had known me for years, combined with an old school record, to prove my identity. It was a longer, more complicated process, but it is possible to get approved even without standard ID.