Medicaid is a need-based health insurance program for children, teens, senior citizens, pregnant women and adults with disabilities. Because Medicaid is a joint partnership between the federal government and individual states, the income limits vary from one state to another.
In Missouri, Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled has a monthly income limit of $1,067 for single individuals and $1,448 per month for married couples. Institutional Medicaid, which is the type of Medicaid used to pay for nursing home care, doesn't have a monthly income limit. However, you must use all available income toward the cost of your care.
If you qualify, you can use your Medicaid coverage to pay for inpatient and outpatient medical care. The federal government requires all states to cover a basic set of services, such as lab tests, X-rays and doctor visits. Individual states can choose whether to cover optional services. For example, Missouri Medicaid also covers prescription medications, rehabilitation services, dental services and in-home care.
Grocery costs are rising, but that's not the only reason some seniors struggle to get enough nutrition. For seniors with disabilities, it's tough to go to a grocery store and walk up and down the aisles. Seniors who don't drive also have to rely on friends, family members or local transportation services for rides to the market.
If you're facing some of these challenges, consider applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and then signing up for Meals on Wheels. SNAP provides funds for low-income seniors to buy nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. Even a small amount of SNAP benefits can help defray your grocery costs, leaving you with more money for other expenses.
Meals on Wheels fights hunger and isolation among members of the senior population. If you qualify for the program, a volunteer from your neighborhood will deliver a nutritious meal to your house at least once each weekday. Not only do you receive a delicious meal, but you also get to see a friendly face on a regular basis.
Medicare doesn't cover the full cost of every prescription. Additionally, some drugs aren't on the Medicare formulary, leaving Medicare beneficiaries to cover the entire cost out of their own pockets. If you need help paying for one of your medications, find out if you qualify for the Extra Help program.
Extra Help provides funds to help seniors with limited financial resources get the medications they need. You may qualify for Extra Help automatically if any of the following apply:
If you don't qualify automatically, you'll have to apply for Extra Help benefits.
Many veterans qualify for benefits designed to help them pay for medical care and enjoy a better quality of life. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is available to eligible service members who meet one of the following requirements:
If you qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, the Department of Veterans Affairs adds a supplement to your monthly VA pension, giving you more money to pay for medical care and other expenses. The VA offers an additional supplement to eligible service members who spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability.
Medicare costs less than many private insurance programs, but it isn't free. You have to pay a monthly premium for your Part B coverage, plus co-pays and coinsurance for some of the services you receive. If you have Original Medicare, you'll also need a prescription plan and a Medicare supplement.
If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you'll receive money from your state to help cover some of these costs. Each of the four programs has different income and resource limits, so check with your local Area Agency on Aging for more information.
Supplemental Security Income, better known as SSI, provides a monthly benefit to seniors who have little to no income or assets. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can use the funds to pay for groceries, clothing, utilities and other necessities. You may qualify if you're at least 65 years old or if you're under 65 and have a qualifying disability.
Applicants must also meet these eligibility requirements:
