FAQs for Medical Assistance Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is Medicaid different from Medicare?
2. How do I access services for Medicaid or Healthy Kids Gold?
3. What is In and Out medical assistance?
4. What is Medicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities (MEAD)?
5. Is there recovery from my estate?
6. If I own property will a lien be placed on it if I receive medical assistance?
7. What are my responsibilities to receive medical assistance?

Questions & Answers:
1. How is Medicaid different from Medicare?	Back to top
Medicare is health insurance administered through the federal Social Security Administration for people over 65 and some disabled people; it is not based on income limits. Medicaid is a health care assistance program administered by DHHS for certain low-income people and families who qualify. To qualify, people must meet specific requirements including income and resource limits. Medicaid for children under 19 years old is called Healthy Kids Gold.

2. How do I access services for Medicaid or Healthy Kids Gold?	Back to top
If you are eligible for Medicaid or Healthy Kids Gold, you will receive a plastic Medicaid or Healthy Kids Gold card in the mail. You may go to any health care provider in NH who accepts Medicaid or Healthy Kids Gold. Be sure to: ask each provider you go to if they accept Medicaid or Healthy Kids-Gold; and make sure the service is covered by Medicaid or Healthy Kids Gold before you receive the service. If you do not ask these questions, you may be responsible to pay the bill.

3. What is In and Out medical assistance?	Back to top
In and Out medical assistance provides help with medical bills for people eligible for NH Medicaid in every way except income. If your income is too high for Medicaid but you meet all the other requirements for Medicaid, you may still be able to get help paying some medical bills under the In and Out medical assistance program.

4. What is Medicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities (MEAD)?	Back to top
MEAD is a Medicaid coverage group that allows adults with disabilities to earn a higher salary and save money without losing their Medicaid eligibility. In general, the program makes an employed person with a significant disability eligible for Medicaid by expanding the eligibility criteria relative to earnings and resources. There may be a premium for this program.

5. Is there recovery from my estate?	Back to top
Yes. The State has the right to recover medical assistance costs granted to seniors and to disabled people who received services while age 55 and older or from individuals of any age who are permanent residents of a nursing facility. There are some exceptions. For additional information, refer to the Adult Assistance Manual.

6. If I own property will a lien be placed on it if I receive medical assistance?	Back to top
No, not for most Medicaid recipients. If you are a permanent resident of a nursing facility a lien may be placed on your property under certain circumstances. For additional information refer to the Adult Assistance Manual.

7. What are my responsibilities to receive medical assistance?	Back to top
Verification � When you apply you must give complete and correct facts to the interviewer. You must provide proof of income you receive, value of assets you own, who lives in your home, your address and any other factors that affect your eligibility. Changes � You must tell DHHS promptly of any changes that might affect your eligibility. This includes changes of address and any changes in your income and assets such as earnings, Social Security benefits or money from insurance settlements. You must report these changes within 10 days after they happen. You will receive advance notice of any decreases, increases or termination of your grant.