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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

SSI and Medicaid for Eligible Claimants

The physical incapacity of blind or disabled individuals often entails financial hardships. As the government recognizes this problem, various programs are implemented to assist eligible individuals.

For old or disabled individuals who have been employed but not qualified under SSDI or who have not been employed at all, they could apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The query now is: Can claimants availed SSI simultaneously with other benefits such as Medicaid?

The answer is yes.

Medicaid is a federally operated program which pays for basic medical care of blind or disabled, age 65 or older, children, or members of families with dependent children.

While it is funded by the Federal Government, it is run by each state. The state determines who are eligible. It also decides the amount and services due each claimant.

For some states, the SSI application is also the Medicaid application. Usually, Medicaid eligibility begins in the same month as SSI eligibility. In some states though, separate application is required for Medicaid and SSI applications.
The next query is: Will the approval of SSI application means approval of Medicaid application or vice versa?

The answer is no.

SSI application and Medicaid application are assigned to different disability examiners. Hence, rulings on each application may vary. However, an examiner can simply adopt the decision made in the SSI application when deciding for a Medicaid application. If there is no SSI application to adopt, the Medicaid claim would be returned to the county caseworker who actually took the application.

One thing is clear: when you are an SSI recipient, you could also get Medicaid benefits that can help you pay doctor and hospital bills. You just have to contact your local social services or public welfare office for details.