MEDICAID

   First, you need to know it takes time to get medicaid and it takes a bit of determination on your part.  There are a lot of steps as well as a lot of paperwork that has to be filled out.  Don't give up even if you are turned down.  You may receive a denial letter along with a form to fill out asking for a hearing.  Be sure you fill it out and check with them to see that they received it and when your appointment date is.  Whatever you do....be there when they tell you to.

   Sometimes you will have to see doctors or have tests done to determine your eligibility.  If you have been seeing a doctor on a regular basis they can use the information from your file.

   If you become eligible for Medicaid, you may also qualify for disability.  When you file for disability, you can plan on an 18 month to 3 year waiting period.  Their has been an influx of people filing and they are backlogged.

   And if you receive disability, you will receive a disability check every month...and possibly (depending on your income) a check every month from SSI.

   You will be set up on one of the medicaid insurance programs.  There is a very small co-pay for your medications (usually $1-3. for each prescription).  You may also be eligible for medicaid-in-home services.