Primary Care in Rochester and Kasson

Are you eligible for Medicaid?

4/18/2024 by Lacey Pegram-Olson, B.A., L.A.D.C.

Medicaid

What is Medicaid, who is eligible, and how do I apply? These are common questions when someone is struggling with financial means and resources. Medicaid is a state and federal program assisting in covering medical costs for low-income eligible citizens. The federal government has general rules for Medicaid, but each state has its own eligibility guidelines. This means benefits may vary from state to state. If you have Medicaid, you will not pay for any directly covered medical expenses; however, you may have a small co-pay for certain items or services. 

In all states, Medicaid may cover some individuals and families, including children, parents, women who are pregnant, elderly people with certain incomes, and people with disabilities. Some states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover other adults below a certain income level.

There are two ways you can apply for Medicaid:

  1. Through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
    • Visit HealthCare.gov to create a Marketplace account and complete an application.
    • Reply "yes" when asked if you'd like to see if you can get help paying for coverage.
    • If the information on your application shows someone in your household might qualify for Medicaid, the Marketplace will forward your application to your state for a final eligibility decision.
    • You can also call the Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596 to apply. TTY users can call 855-889-4325.
  2. Through your state.

Lacey Pegram-Olson, L.A.D.C., is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Master's Social Work student at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She specializes in treating co-occurring disorders including substance dependence. She also does crisis work for Southeast Minnesota and has a history of working with adults who have severe and persistent mental illnesses and adults and adolescents who struggle with addiction and mental illness.