Can you get on medicaid even if your listed as a dependent on your parents insurance?

Question

I found out that I am pregnant, and I live in chattanooga but my parents live in Memphis. I was here in college but then had some problems and had to take the semester off. I dont want my parents to find out if Im pregnant right now, but i need to go to the doctor. Can I get on medicaid? I have no job

Answer 1

You can qualify for Medicaid on your own and have Medicaid pay for your doctor visits.
Tennessee even has a special program called TennCare for people in your situtation.
If you are on TennCare however, you may be asked if you have other coverage and you will have to declare that.
If Medicaid pays for the visit, you may not be able to have your parent's insurance also try to pay the claim.
There will be some confusion between the health insurers to determine who is the primary payor.

Even if you did have to claim on your parent's insurance, they will receive a letter in the mail called an EOB or Explanation of Benefits.

That EOB will list the doctor you were seen by, but it won't say why.

You could easily explain away a visit or two just by saying you were sick.

It won't say.....Pregnancy test.....or pre-natal visit or anything like that.....it will likely say 'office visit' and that's it.

If in doubt, call the insurer and without giving out your name ask them how detailed the EOB is. Heck, if you don't give them your name, you might even be able to tell them the whole truth that you don't want your parents to know you are pregnant.

At some point though, hiding this from your parents is going to be a difficult decision both for you in doing it and for your parents who are going to know you hid it and will have a hard time with that.

They may even have a harder time understanding your decision to hide the truth from them and that may hurt them more than the fact that you are pregnant.

Truthfulness sometimes is better than hurtfulness.

Answer 2

Yes, you can apply for Medicaid. Just keep in mind that they will be looking to see how you are supporting yourself. It won't be a problem to say your boyfriend is supporting you. Know that they will base your application on his income though.
Also, if you were not aware, once you're pregnant you are no longer covered under your parent's insurance policy. (if this is an employer based plan).
If you find that you don't qualify, because he makes too much, than you may also want to find out about the local health department.
In some states they provide prenatal care at a substantially lower cost.

Answer 3

You should have your own insurance card even if you are a dependent on your parents insurance and it will cover your doctors visit. Your doctor will not have to tell your parents, but they will receive the EOB from the insurance company. It will be better if you just go sit down and talk to your parents. You need all the support you can get right now.

Answer 4

You can apply, but it takes a while (maybe a few months) to get on it. I believe you do qualify if you are pregnant, but it's a catch-22, because you need the doctor statement to get the medicaid benefits.

Answer 5

I'm not completely sure, but i don't think you can apply for Medicaid if you are still young enough to be filed as dependent

Answer 6

If you are listed on someone else's insurance, you can not apply for medicaid - it's called fraud.

Answer 7

YES! Go to the tennessee state website and get information on where you can apply! Some states even let you apply online! DO it ASAP...prenatal care is very important.

Answer 8

No your too young - medicaid is for old people.
Try going to a free clinic until you feel you can tell your parents.

Answer 9

NO YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR OWN MEDICAID , I NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE GETTING PUT ON ANYBODIES MEDICAID , AT LEAST NOT HERE IN PA ..YOU ARE IN 2 DIFFERENT STATES , THEN YOUR PARENTS .I WOULD ALMOST UNFORTANTLELY SAY NO ..SORRY SWEETY!

Answer 10

no b/c they will ask do you have insurance and do research.