The “California Loophole” That Lets You Have Over $100k in Assets and Still Get Medi-Cal
My Savings Account Didn’t Matter
My mom had $120,000 saved up after a lifetime of careful work. When she needed long-term care, we thought she’d have to spend every penny before Medi-Cal would help. We were about to start writing checks to the nursing home when a social worker told us about a massive change in California law. As of 2024, the state completely eliminated the asset test for most Medi-Cal programs. Her savings account no longer mattered. She could keep her nest egg and still get the care she needed. It was a loophole so big, it changed everything for our family.
How to Navigate Florida’s “Income Cap Trust” to Get Long-Term Care Medicaid
The Trust That Solved Our “Too Much Income” Problem
My dad’s Social Security and small pension put his monthly income at $2,900, just a few hundred dollars over Florida’s strict income cap for long-term care Medicaid. The nursing home told us he was out of luck. We felt trapped. An elder law attorney introduced us to the “Miller Trust.” We set up the special bank account, and now my dad’s income checks go directly into the trust. The trust then pays his share of the nursing home cost. This simple legal tool made him instantly eligible for the Medicaid benefits he desperately needed.
Texas Medicaid: Why It’s So Hard to Get (and the Few Ways You Still Can)
The Safety Net That Wasn’t There For Me
I work a full-time minimum wage job in Texas, but I have no kids and I’m not disabled. When I got pneumonia and ended up with a huge hospital bill, I applied for Medicaid. The denial came quickly. I learned the hard truth: Texas is one of the few states that never expanded Medicaid, so there is almost no coverage for working-age adults without children. My only path to eligibility would be if my condition became a long-term disability. It’s a harsh reality that left me with a mountain of debt and very few options.
New York’s “Spousal Refusal” Rule: The Ultimate Guide for Married Couples
The “No” That Protected My Future
My husband’s Alzheimer’s required nursing home care that would have bankrupted me. We lived in New York, and our lawyer told us about a powerful tool: “spousal refusal.” I had to sign a formal document stating I refused to use my own savings and income for my husband’s care. It felt wrong, but it was a legal strategy. This made him instantly eligible for Medicaid. The state could technically sue me later, but my lawyer helped negotiate a fair contribution. That one, difficult “no” protected me from poverty and ensured my husband got the care he needed.
Unlocking Pennsylvania’s Caregiver Exemption to Protect the Family Home
The Care I Gave, The Home We Saved
For three years, I was my mom’s full-time caregiver in her home in Pennsylvania. It was hard, but it kept her out of a nursing home. When she finally needed to go into a facility, we were terrified she would lose the house. Our lawyer told us about the state’s “Child Caregiver Exemption.” Because I had lived with her and provided a level of care that kept her at home for more than two years, she was able to legally transfer the house to me with no Medicaid penalty. The care I gave my mom ultimately saved our family home.
Ohio’s “Assisted Living Waiver”: How to Avoid a Nursing Home on the State’s Dime
The Waiver That Kept My Dad Home
My dad needed help with daily living, but he did not want to go to a nursing home. The cost of an assisted living facility was too high. An Ohio social worker told us about the Assisted Living Waiver program. It’s a Medicaid program designed specifically to pay for the cost of care in an assisted living facility as an alternative to a nursing home. He had to meet the same income and asset rules, but once approved, the waiver covered the cost of his care services, allowing him to live more independently.
The Best and Worst Medicaid Managed Care Plans in Michigan: A 2025 Review
The Choice That Changed My Care
When I was approved for Michigan’s Medicaid plan, I was given a list of ten different “Managed Care Plans” to choose from. It was overwhelming. I did some research online and found my local hospital system had its own plan, “Physicians Health Plan.” I chose that one. It was a great decision because all my doctors were already in their network. My friend chose a different plan based on a TV commercial and had a terrible time finding a specialist. In Michigan, choosing the right MCO is the single most important decision you make.
A Guide to North Carolina’s “Community Alternatives Program” (CAP) Waivers
The Program That Brought My Mom Home
My mom was in a nursing home in North Carolina after a stroke, and she was miserable. All she wanted was to come home, but she needed a lot of help. The hospital discharge planner told us about the CAP waiver. This special Medicaid program provides a budget for in-home care services, like a personal care aide, home modifications, and respite care for me as a caregiver. After being approved, we were able to bring my mom home. The CAP program provided the support we needed to care for her in the place she loved most.
Georgia’s Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program: What It Covers and How to Apply
The Help That Arrived at Our Doorstep
My grandmother in Georgia was getting frail and needed help to stay in her home. We couldn’t afford a private caregiver. We applied for the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program through Georgia Medicaid. After she was approved, a case manager helped us create a care plan. The waiver now pays for a home health aide to come for several hours a day to help with meals and bathing. It also covered the cost of a personal emergency response button she wears around her neck. This program has been the key to her safety and independence.
The “TEFRA/Katie Beckett” Loophole for Kids with Disabilities in Illinois
Our Son Got Covered, Even With Our Income
Our son in Illinois has a severe disability, and his medical needs are expensive. My husband and I have good jobs, so our income was way too high for traditional Medicaid. We felt trapped. A social worker told us about the “Katie Beckett” waiver, which Illinois has. This amazing loophole bases a child’s Medicaid eligibility on the severity of their disability, not on the parents’ income. Our son was able to get a Medicaid card that acts as a secondary insurance, picking up all the costs our primary plan doesn’t cover. It has saved us from bankruptcy.
Navigating MassHealth: A Complete Guide for Massachusetts Residents
The System That Simplified Everything
I moved to Massachusetts and was worried about healthcare. I learned about MassHealth, which is the state’s combined Medicaid and CHIP program. The application was surprisingly simple. I filled it out online through the “Health Connector.” Because my income was low, I was approved for MassHealth Standard. It’s incredibly comprehensive. It covers my doctors, prescriptions, dental, and vision, all with almost no co-pays. I was impressed by how streamlined and easy it was to get excellent, affordable coverage as a Massachusetts resident.
Virginia Medicaid’s Top 5 “Secret” Benefits You Didn’t Know You Had
The Perks Beyond the Doctor’s Office
I thought my Virginia Medicaid card was just for doctor visits. I was wrong. I started digging through my managed care plan’s website and found some amazing “secret” benefits. First, they offered a free gym membership. Second, they had a 24/7 nurse advice line that saved me a trip to urgent care. Third, they offered free transportation to my appointments. Fourth, they had a rewards program that gave me gift cards for getting my check-ups. And fifth, they offered free classes to help people quit smoking. It was a whole world of wellness benefits.
How to Get on the Waiting List for New Jersey’s MLTSS Program
The List We Had to Get On
My father in New Jersey needed long-term care at home, and we knew he would need Medicaid to pay for it. The program is called MLTSS (Managed Long-Term Services and Supports). We learned that because the demand is so high, there are often waiting lists for the in-home care waiver slots. The most important thing we did was call our County Area Agency on Aging to get him on the waiting list as early as possible, even before he was financially eligible. Getting on that list was the crucial first step in the long process.
Washington Apple Health: A Guide to the Cascade Care Loophole
The Public Option That Bridged the Gap
I live in Washington and my income was just a little too high to qualify for their Medicaid program, called Apple Health. I was frustrated, thinking I was stuck. But Washington is unique. They have a “public option” health plan called Cascade Care. When I applied on the state marketplace, the system saw I didn’t qualify for Apple Health and instead offered me a subsidized Cascade Care plan. The premiums were incredibly low. It’s a special state-run program that creates a safety net for people caught in that gap above the Medicaid limit.
Understanding Arizona’s ALTCS Program for Long-Term Care
The Program That Cared for My Grandfather
My grandfather in Arizona needed 24/7 care. The family couldn’t provide it, and we couldn’t afford it. We applied for ALTCS (Arizona Long-Term Care System). It was a long, detailed application process. They sent a nurse to his home to do a medical assessment to make sure he met the level of care requirement. We also had to provide five years of financial records. It was a marathon, but once he was approved, ALTCS covered his entire stay in a high-quality nursing facility. It was a comprehensive program that gave us peace of mind.
The Complete Guide to Colorado’s Health First Colorado Program
The Health Plan as Big as the Mountains
When I lost my job in Colorado, I was worried about healthcare. I applied for the state’s Medicaid program, called Health First Colorado. Because Colorado expanded Medicaid, the process was incredibly straightforward. I applied online through the state’s PEAK portal. With my income at zero, I was quickly approved. The plan is amazing. It covers all my check-ups, my prescriptions, and even mental health therapy with no co-pay. In Colorado, Health First is a strong, accessible safety net for hundreds of thousands of residents like me.
How to Spend Down Assets to Qualify for TennCare in Tennessee
The Smart Way We Spent His Savings
My dad in Tennessee had $15,000 in savings, which was too much to qualify for TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program for long-term care. The asset limit was only $2,000. We had to “spend down” $13,000. We didn’t just waste it. We worked with a planner. We used the money to make modifications to his home to make it safer for my mom. We also fully pre-paid for both of my parents’ funerals. These were permissible expenses that directly benefited my parents. Once his savings were below the limit, he was approved.
Maryland Medicaid’s “Community Options Waiver”: Your Key to In-Home Care
The Waiver That Kept My Aunt in Her Apartment
My aunt in Maryland was getting frail and needed help, but the thought of a nursing home terrified her. Her social worker told us about the Medicaid “Community Options Waiver.” This program is designed to provide services to people in their own homes to prevent them from needing institutional care. After she was approved, the waiver paid for a home health aide to help with her daily needs and for a personal emergency response system. This waiver is the key to independent living for many seniors in Maryland.
Indiana’s “Healthy Indiana Plan” (HIP): What You Need to Know About Your POWER Account
The Health Savings Account That Medicaid Funded
When I got on Indiana’s Medicaid plan, called the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), I was introduced to my “POWER Account.” It was like a health savings account. The state put a certain amount of money into it for me. When I saw a doctor, the cost was paid from that account. The plan also rewarded me for getting preventative check-ups by making my contributions to the account lower. It was an interesting system designed to make me more like a consumer, and it encouraged me to stay on top of my health.
Missouri HealthNet: A Guide for Low-Income Adults in an Expansion State
The Expansion That Changed My Life
For years, as a low-wage worker in Missouri without kids, I was in the coverage gap—no way to get help. When the state finally expanded Medicaid in 2021, it changed my life overnight. I applied for Missouri HealthNet through the state’s portal. Because my income was below the new, higher limit, I was approved. For the first time in my adult life, I had comprehensive health insurance. I could go for a check-up, get my prescriptions filled, and see a dentist. The expansion was a lifeline for me and thousands of other Missourians.
Navigating Wisconsin’s BadgerCare Plus Program
The Plan That Covered My Whole Family
I live in Wisconsin, and my husband and I have two kids. We have jobs, but our income is modest. We applied for health coverage through the state, and our family was enrolled in BadgerCare Plus. It was amazing. Because Wisconsin has a generous program, both the adults and the children in our family qualified. It’s a comprehensive plan that covers all our doctor visits, medications, and even dental care. BadgerCare Plus is a crucial support for so many working families across Wisconsin, ensuring our kids can stay healthy.
The Minnesota “Medical Assistance” Program: A Guide to Asset Limits
The Rules We Had to Follow in the Land of 10,000 Lakes
When my elderly mother in Minnesota needed long-term care, we had to navigate their “Medical Assistance” program’s asset rules. We learned the asset limit for a single person was $3,000. Her primary home and one car were exempt. We had to carefully document all her other assets, like savings accounts and any stocks she had. We worked with the county worker to make sure we were spending down her excess assets in a permissible way, like paying off her credit card debt, before her application could be approved.
South Carolina Healthy Connections: How to Choose a Plan
Making a Healthy Connection in the Palmetto State
After my kids were approved for South Carolina’s Medicaid program, called Healthy Connections, we received a packet in the mail asking us to choose a health plan. There were several private insurance companies to pick from. To make the best choice, I first called my children’s long-time pediatrician’s office and asked them which of the plans they accepted. They told me they were in-network with two of them. I then went online and compared the “extra benefits” of those two plans. We chose the one that offered the best dental coverage.
A Guide to Alabama’s Limited Medicaid Program (And Who It Covers)
The Narrow Gate to Coverage in Alabama
I live in Alabama and lost my job. I quickly learned that my state has one of the strictest Medicaid programs in the country because it did not expand coverage. As a non-disabled adult without dependent children, I was not eligible, no matter how low my income was. I learned that in Alabama, Medicaid generally only covers children, pregnant women, parents with very low incomes, and the elderly or disabled. It’s a very narrow system that leaves many low-income, working-age adults with no affordable health insurance options at all.
Kentucky Medicaid: Understanding Your MCO Options
My Old Kentucky Healthcare Home
When I first enrolled in Kentucky’s Medicaid program, I was automatically assigned to a “Managed Care Organization” (MCO). I had the option to change it within 90 days. I went to the state’s Medicaid website and compared the MCOs. I looked at their provider networks to make sure my preferred doctors were included. I also looked at their member satisfaction ratings. Making an informed choice about which MCO would manage my healthcare was the most important first step to getting good care in Kentucky.
Louisiana Medicaid: A Guide for Parents and Children
Healthy Kids in the Bayou State
As a low-income working mom in Louisiana, the state’s Medicaid program has been a blessing for my family. My two kids are covered under the Louisiana Medicaid plan for children. This means all of their well-child visits, immunizations, and any sick visits are completely free. Because Louisiana expanded Medicaid, I also qualify for my own coverage. Knowing that I can take my kids to the doctor anytime they need to without worrying about a co-pay or a bill gives me a sense of security that is priceless.
How to Apply for SoonerCare in Oklahoma
Sooner Was Better for My Health
I live in Oklahoma and recently lost my job. I was relieved to learn that the state had expanded Medicaid, now called SoonerCare. The application process was surprisingly easy. I went to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s website and applied online. I had to provide proof of my income (which was now zero) and my identity. Because the state had expanded its program, the eligibility criteria for adults were straightforward. I was approved in a few weeks and was able to get the care I needed without going into debt.
Connecticut’s HUSKY Health Program: A, B, C, or D?
Decoding the HUSKY Alphabet
My family needed health coverage in Connecticut, and we were confused by the HUSKY Health program’s different parts. A state navigator explained it to us. HUSKY A is the Medicaid program for children and their parents. HUSKY B is the state’s CHIP program for children in slightly higher-income families. HUSKY C is the Medicaid program for the elderly or disabled. And HUSKY D is for adults without children. We filled out one application, and the system automatically sorted us into the right part of the HUSKY family.
A Guide to Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
The Plan That Keeps Oregon Healthy
After I was laid off from my tech job in Portland, I had no income and no insurance. I applied for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), which is Oregon’s Medicaid program. Because the state expanded coverage, my application as a single, childless adult was straightforward. I was approved for a plan managed by a local “Coordinated Care Organization” (CCO). The focus was on whole-person health. My OHP coverage not only included my physical health but also provided excellent dental, vision, and mental health benefits, all with zero premium.
Iowa’s IA Health Link Program: Member Experiences
My Link to Better Health
When Iowa privatized its Medicaid program, creating IA Health Link, I was nervous. I was worried the care would suffer. I was assigned to one of the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). My experience has been positive. I have a case manager who calls to check on me. My MCO offers extra benefits, like a rewards program for getting my annual check-up. The key has been to be an active participant—to really understand my plan’s handbook and to communicate regularly with my case manager to make sure I’m getting all the benefits I’m entitled to.
Navigating Mississippi CAN (Coordinated Access Network)
A Lifeline in Mississippi
As a low-income senior living in Mississippi, I rely on both Medicare and Medicaid. My Medicaid benefits are delivered through the Mississippi CAN (Coordinated Access Network). I was assigned a “care coordinator” from one of the managed care plans. She has been a lifesaver. She helps me schedule my specialist appointments, makes sure my prescriptions are covered, and even helped me arrange transportation when I couldn’t drive. In a state with many health challenges, the CAN program has been a crucial tool for managing my complex care.
Arkansas Works: Understanding the Work Requirements
The Job I Had to Have to Keep My Health
I live in Arkansas and am covered by Arkansas Works, the state’s Medicaid expansion program. A few years ago, the state implemented a work requirement. To keep my health insurance, I had to prove that I was working at least 80 hours a month or participating in other approved activities like job training. I had to log into a state portal every month to report my hours. It was a lot of extra paperwork, and it was stressful. It’s a controversial rule that adds an extra layer of complexity to staying covered in Arkansas.
A Guide to KanCare in Kansas
Coordinated Care in the Sunflower State
My grandmother in Kansas receives her Medicaid benefits through a program called KanCare. It’s a managed care program where the state contracts with three different insurance companies. My grandmother was able to choose which of the three companies she wanted to manage her care. We chose the plan that had her long-time family doctor in its network. Her KanCare plan covers all her Medicare co-pays and provides her with additional benefits, like dental and vision, that Medicare doesn’t. It’s the system that coordinates all her healthcare needs.
Utah’s Targeted Adult Medicaid: Who Qualifies?
The Narrow Path to Coverage in Utah
I’m a low-income adult living in Utah, and for a long time, I couldn’t get Medicaid because I wasn’t pregnant or disabled. The state has a very “targeted” adult program. I was finally able to qualify when I needed treatment for a substance use disorder. Utah’s program specifically covers adults who are chronically homeless, involved in the justice system, or in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment. It’s not a broad expansion, but a very focused program aimed at specific vulnerable populations in the state.
Nevada Check Up vs. Medicaid: What’s the Difference?
The Two Programs That Cover Nevada’s Kids
My kids needed health insurance, and in Nevada, we found two great options. We filled out one application. Because our income was very low, my youngest was placed in Nevada Medicaid. My income was just a little too high for my oldest to qualify for Medicaid, so he was enrolled in Nevada Check Up, which is the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Both programs offer excellent, comprehensive coverage. The only real difference is that Check Up is for families with slightly higher incomes, and it sometimes has a very small quarterly premium.
A Guide to New Mexico’s Centennial Care Program
A Century of Care in the Land of Enchantment
I am a member of New Mexico’s Medicaid program, called Centennial Care. When I was approved, I was able to choose from one of the state’s Managed Care Organizations. My Centennial Care plan is my one-stop shop for all my health needs. It covers my primary care doctor, my prescriptions, and my behavioral health services. One of the best parts of the program is the focus on community-based long-term care, which is designed to help seniors and people with disabilities stay in their own homes whenever possible.
West Virginia’s Mountain Health Trust: Choosing a Plan
My Healthcare Trust in the Mountain State
After I was approved for Medicaid in West Virginia, I was enrolled in the Mountain Health Trust program. This is the state’s managed care system. I had to choose one of the private insurance companies that the state contracts with to manage my benefits. I went online and compared the provider networks for each company to see which one included the hospital and doctors I preferred. Choosing the right plan was an important step to make sure I could keep seeing the providers I already knew and trusted.
Nebraska’s Heritage Health: An Integrated Approach
My Body and Mind, Covered Together
I’m enrolled in Nebraska’s Medicaid program, which is called Heritage Health. What’s unique about this program is that it truly integrates all forms of care. My Heritage Health plan covers my physical health, my behavioral health, and my pharmacy benefits all under one single, coordinated plan. I have a care coordinator who helps me manage my appointments with my doctor and my therapist. This integrated approach means my healthcare team can easily communicate, and I get treated as a whole person, not a collection of separate symptoms.
A Guide to Idaho Medicaid Plus for Long-Term Care
The “Plus” That Made All the Difference
My father in Idaho needed nursing home care, and we had to navigate the state’s Medicaid system. The long-term care program is called Idaho Medicaid Plus. It’s a managed care program specifically for people with complex needs. After he was approved, we worked with his chosen health plan to create a care plan. The “Plus” program not only covered his nursing home stay but also coordinated all his other care—his doctor visits, his prescriptions, and his hospitalizations—under one single umbrella, which made managing his care much simpler for our family.
Hawaii’s Quest Integration Program Explained
My Quest for Health in Hawaii
I live in Hawaii and my health coverage is through Quest Integration, the state’s Medicaid managed care program. The “integration” part is key. My plan covers my medical doctors, my mental health therapist, and my long-term services and supports all under one roof. The goal of the program is to provide seamless, coordinated care. I have a care coordinator who helps me navigate the system and ensures that all my different doctors are on the same page. It’s a holistic approach to health that is vital for residents of the islands.
New Hampshire’s Granite Advantage Health Care Program
The Advantage I Needed in the Granite State
When New Hampshire expanded Medicaid, they created the Granite Advantage Health Care Program. As a low-income adult, this program was the lifeline I needed. I applied through the state’s NH Easy gateway. After being approved, I was able to choose a Managed Care Plan to deliver my benefits. For the first time, I had access to regular check-ups, dental care, and mental health services without worrying about the cost. For thousands of people in the Granite State, this program has made quality healthcare a reality.
A Guide to MaineCare: Eligibility and Benefits
My Care in Maine, Covered
I’m a self-employed lobsterman in Maine, and my income is unpredictable. When my wife and I had our first child, we applied for MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program. Because Maine expanded coverage, the income limits were generous enough to cover both my wife and our new baby. MaineCare has been essential for our family. It covers all of our son’s well-child visits and my wife’s check-ups. It even has a good dental benefit. For working families like ours, MaineCare is the safety net that allows us to live and work here.
Rhode Island’s Medicaid Integrated Care Initiative
A Small State with a Smart Plan
My mother in Rhode Island is a “dual eligible,” meaning she has both Medicare and Medicaid. She is enrolled in the state’s “Integrated Care Initiative.” It’s a program designed to coordinate all her care seamlessly. She is in a special health plan that manages all her Medicare and Medicaid benefits together. She has one card, one customer service number, and one care manager who oversees everything. This integrated approach has dramatically simplified her healthcare, reduced her stress, and improved the quality of her care. It’s a smart system for a small state.
Delaware’s Diamond State Health Plan: What’s Covered?
A Gem of a Plan in the First State
My children are covered by Delaware’s Medicaid program, which is called the Diamond State Health Plan. It’s a managed care plan, and we were able to choose from a few different insurance companies. The coverage is excellent. It covers all of their doctor visits, of course. But it also provides great dental coverage, including cleanings and fillings, and vision care, with a free pair of glasses every year. For parents in Delaware, the Diamond State Health Plan is a crucial resource for keeping kids healthy from head to toe.
A Guide to Montana’s HELP Plan
The HELP I Got in Big Sky Country
As a seasonal worker at a ski resort in Montana, I have a low income and no employer-sponsored insurance. I was able to get coverage through the state’s Medicaid expansion program, which is called the HELP (Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership) Plan. Applying was straightforward through the state’s website. The HELP Plan has been a lifesaver. It provides me with comprehensive health coverage, so if I get injured on the slopes or just need a routine check-up, I know I’m protected. It’s a vital safety net for workers in Montana’s seasonal economy.
South Dakota’s Unique Rules for Asset Protection
Protecting Our Ranch in South Dakota
My family owns a small ranch in South Dakota, and my grandfather needed long-term care. We were worried about the state’s Medicaid asset rules. We learned that South Dakota has some unique provisions. While his primary home was exempt, we worked with a lawyer who understood the specific state rules around agricultural property and trusts. By planning carefully according to South Dakota’s laws, we were able to protect the family ranch from being counted as an asset, allowing my grandfather to get the care he needed while preserving our family’s legacy.
North Dakota’s Medicaid Expansion: A Guide
The Coverage That Kept Me on the Farm
I’m a farmer in North Dakota. My income is low and unpredictable, and affording private health insurance was impossible. The state’s decision to expand Medicaid was one of the most important things to ever happen for my family’s financial security. I was able to enroll in the expansion program. Now, I have peace of mind. I know that if I get injured during harvest or get sick during the winter, I can go to the doctor without the fear of a bill that could bankrupt my farm. It’s a crucial program for rural North Dakotans.
Understanding Vermont’s Green Mountain Care
My Green Mountain Health Security
In Vermont, our Medicaid program is part of a larger system called Green Mountain Care. When I lost my job, I applied for health coverage through the state’s marketplace, Vermont Health Connect. Because my income was low, the system automatically enrolled me in Green Mountain Care. The coverage is incredible. It feels like a high-quality private plan, but with no monthly premium and very low co-pays. The program truly reflects Vermont’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their income, have access to excellent healthcare.
A Guide to Wyoming’s EqualityCare Program
Finding Equal Care in the Equality State
Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid, so getting coverage as a low-income adult can be very difficult. The state’s program, EqualityCare, primarily covers children, pregnant women, and the disabled. When my sister, a single mother working at a diner, lost her job, she and her kids were able to get on EqualityCare. The program provided excellent coverage for her children. For herself, the eligibility was much stricter and based on her very low income as a parent. It’s a limited but vital safety net for the families who can qualify in Wyoming.
Alaska’s Tribal Health and Medicaid System: How They Work Together
A Partnership for Health in the Last Frontier
As an Alaska Native, I am eligible for care at our tribal health clinic. But I also qualify for Alaska’s Medicaid program. The two systems work together as a powerful partnership. I use my tribal clinic for my primary care. But when I need to see a specialist in Anchorage or need a surgery they can’t perform, my Medicaid coverage kicks in. The tribe’s contract health services and Medicaid coordinate to ensure I can get the specialized care I need without a huge bill. It’s a unique system designed for the unique needs of Alaska.