If you have ever applied for government assistance in the past, you know how complex and time-consuming the application process can be. There always seems to be a lot of “red tape” to work through to get the benefits you need. When it comes to Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, the waiting period can leave you in a predicament if you need treatment from an Ohio facility right away and don’t have insurance coverage.
You’ll be glad to know that you can still apply for Medicaid while you’re waiting for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make a decision regarding your SSD application. This is a separate program from Medicare, although people often mistake them as interchangeable titles. Applying for Medicaid can help secure insurance coverage before your SDD benefits kick in.
The federal government funds Medicaid but individual states oversee it
Every state has its own requirements for Medicaid eligibility. You’ll want to make sure you understand Ohio regulations before filing an application. One of the benefits of the Medicaid program for people with disabilities is that it’s often possible to receive this coverage simultaneously while collecting SSD benefits. In other words, if you get coverage through Medicaid, then your SSD application has received approval. You do not have to cancel your Medicaid coverage if your income meets Ohio’s qualification requirements.
Medicaid covers things Medicare does not
When you collect SSD benefits, you’re automatically eligible for Medicare. However, this doesn’t mean you have to cancel Medicaid coverage if your income meets the state’s requirements. In fact, this type of dual eligibility is helpful because the Medicaid program often covers expenses that Medicare does not. Health care providers bill Medicare first, as the primary insurance. Medicaid may cover whatever primary insurance does not cover.
What if you don’t qualify for Medicaid under Ohio rules?
Perhaps you’ve already determined that you are not eligible for Medicaid in Ohio. Try not to lose hope because there may be other insurance options available to you so that you can get much-needed treatment as you await the full process of your SSD application. To do so, you can apply for private health insurance. In fact, some companies provide online services that enable you to apply for private insurance at reduced cost.
Eligibility for reduced cost for private health insurance depends on household size and income. The key takeaway here is that there are likely options available for you to obtain insurance coverage and receive treatment during the interim as you await approval for SSD benefits. If you have questions or a problem arises, you can reach out for additional support to help you navigate the system.