Can I get Medicaid just because I'm pregnant?

Question

I just found out I'm pregnant. I have health insurance though my job, but it won't pay for everything. My husband and I tried to save money while he was in Iraq so we could one day purchase a house. If I wipe out our savings to pay for the hidiously over-priced medical bills I will soon recieve, there is no hope for a home purchase. What can we do? Will I be denied Medicaid if we have a decent savings account? Are there any loopholes? I just hate that my husband went to war and we did without for so long, just to have to start from rock bottom again. I know hospitals go hog wild with tests and anything they can do to run up a huge medical bill. I live in Idaho and I'm not sure of their policies on Medicaid.

I'm not eleigable for military insurance anymore because my husband is no longer in the military.

Answer 1

Medicaid is different by each state, and each state sets its own regulations for what you may qualify for based on income, you may qualify for QMB (Qualified Medicaid Beneficiary) or SLMB (Special Low-income Medicaid Beneficiary) check your state.

My question is, if your husband is military, then do you not receive his TriCare For Life Benefits?
 
 

Answer 2

I live in CT and here the state medical assistance program/CT Medicaid goes by income and assets. There is a $4500 asset limit for vehicles, $1000 limit on savings and checking accounts, and if you own a home they may put a lien on it in return for insurance. I couldn't find any info about Idaho asset limits online but you can call your local Dept of Health & Welfare (DHW) office and ask.

As far as income, I think pregnant women in Idaho can qualify if they're at or under 133% of the FPL (Federal Poverty Guidelines- see link below). In CT, the newborn is automatically covered by state medical assit if there is no other coverage so hopefully Idaho has something similar to offer. I think you have a better chance at being eligible for Medicaid than other people because pregnancy is considered a special circumstance so the income guidelines are more lenient for pregnant applicants than average applicants. Good luck!

Answer 3

If your husband is military you should be getting military insurance which covers just about everything. My sister an I are both military brats that were even MADE by the military in a way. My mother has PCOS so she received infertility treatments on base. If your husband is a reservist, have him talk to his commander. It shouldn't be too hard to get you on that insurance.

As for Medicaid, whether or not you qualify will depend on how much you make and what you have saved. Different states vary however, so you may be able to qualify in your state.

Answer 4

It's going to depend on your income. You'll need to try to apply for your state children's health insurance program; it's the most effecient, but only covers perinatal and birth for you. Be sure you tell them you're pregnant.

If he's active military, then the military should be providing YOU with health insurance, also, as a spouse.

FWIW, my ob's fees for prenatal, labor, and delivery, are $3500 (this year, in Houston). Not bad, if you have a decent savings account. So I'm not sure what you're expecting to pay, but even 50% shouldn't wipe out your savings account.

Midwives are usually even cheaper, you might find a midwife willing to do all your prenatal care and a home delivery (which is actually safer than a hospital delivery, most of the time - check the statistics! lower morbidity for mothers and babies, fewer complications!) for about half that.

Answer 5

If you're not able to get Medicaid, you can get a plan from here: http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/LMota It'll save you a lot of money. Good luck and congrats!

Answer 6

most states you can

Answer 7

You can