Medicaid is a state-operated, federally- and state-funded health insurance program for certain low-income individuals, including children. Other benefit programs, such as Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemetal Security Income (SSI) and other benefit programs are provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is provided to disabled children who live in low-income households. Income limits vary depending on the sources of income and the number of household members. In some states, such as Colorado and California, individuals who receive SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid. However, in other states, such as Indiana, SSI has no bearing on whether or not an individual receives Medicaid.
Food Stamps
Food Stamps are provided under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is a federally-funded, state-operated program designed to provide low-income individuals, including children, with a means of obtaining food. Receiving Food Stamps has no bearing on whether or not a person qualifies for Medicaid and Food Stamps are not calculated as income when determining eligibility based on income and resources.
TANF
TANF provides cash assistance to families with very low incomes for a period of up to 36 months. The program is designed to provide assistance to families to assist with basic shelter expenses until the family is gainfully employed and is able to be self-sufficient. Receiving TANF does not mean that a person automatically qualifies for Medicaid. TANF may be considered as income for Medicaid determination purposes. However, families who receive TANF have income low enough where TANF will never cause a family to meet or exceed income limits.
Dental Coverage
State Medicaid programs must provide at least limited dental coverage to individuals under the age of 21, per Medicaid guidelines set forth by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These guidelines do not outline specific services that must be covered or are not covered. However, it does state that dental services must be provided at reasonable intervals and sufficient services must be covered to help ensure that individuals have adequate dental health as determined by recognized dental organizations. The specific guidelines vary between states.
Age Limit
Depending on the state and other factors, such as school enrollment and income, Medicaid coverage may be discontinued between an individual's nineteenth and twenty-first birthday. If the child has a qualifying disability or meets eligibility requirements for other types of Medicaid, the individual must contact the local or state Medicaid office to obtain specific instructions for enrolling or switching Medicaid programs once the age limit for children's benefits has been reached.
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