Medicaid is a health coverage program for certain low-income people. If you receive Medicaid, this means that the program pays your health care provider for certain health care costs. Although Medicaid may cover most of your costs, you may still be required to assist in paying for the medical services by paying a co-pay. Because of the Affordable Care Act, more preventative services are available such as yearly wellness checks.
Each state administers Medicaid through its own state law according to federal law. To qualify to receive Medicaid, you must satisfy certain requirements set forth in both state and federal law. If you are eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are likely also eligible to receive Medicaid.
If you are married, you and your spouse may apply for Medicaid individually or jointly. Since 2015, all states permit same-sex spouses to apply for Medicaid jointly. Currently, legally married couples, including same sex-couples, will have both individuals’ assets and financial need considered when applying for Medicaid.
For more information, see: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Overview Medicaid Program, https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/index (last visited June 10, 2019)