• Medicaid helps pregant women, children, seniors, and the disabled pay medical bills.cottage hospital image by Chris Bolton from Fotolia.com
  
  Medicaid is a government program that assists low-income individuals and families with their medical bills. Medicaid sends payments to the health care provider to cover some or all costs. In some states, you may have to make a small copayment. States have the discretion to decide who qualifies for Medicaid, so if you believe you may be eligible, contact your local state Medicaid office.
  
  

Children and Teens

• Children under age 18 can be covered by Medicaid if their family has a low-income status. Some state Medicaid programs will cover children up to age 21. Children whose illness would require nursing home care but could be taken care of at home with medical assistance are also eligible to apply, regardless of socioeconomic level. Teenagers living on their own may apply or have an adult apply for them.
  
  

Pregnancy

• If you think you are pregnant and you have limited economic resources, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Both single and married women may apply. Both you and your child will be covered if you are on Medicaid when your baby is born.
  
  

Blind and/or Disabled

• You should apply for Medicaid if you are blind or disabled and do not have enough income to meet your needs. Terminally ill patients in need of hospice care, or patients in a nursing home, are eligible to apply for Medicaid.
  
  

Age

• If you are age 65 and over and have limited resources, you can apply for Medicaid. In addition, if you are already eligible for Medicare, you may still qualify for Medicaid.
  
  

Public Assistance

• People who are no longer eligible for welfare, but still have high medical bills that they cannot pay, could be eligible for Medicaid.