Medicaid candidates who first learn how to qualify for Medicaid in Montana have a better chance of submitting a successful application. Medicaid benefits eligibility is extended to those who are part of a low-income household, as long as they meet all requirements. Currently, Montana’s Medicaid provides some form of coverage for around 20 percent of residents in the state. Many of the Medicaid eligibility requirements are established by the federal government, but the state of Montana has some flexibility when it comes to determining eligibility for Medicaid applicants. The eligibility requirements for Medicaid can seem complex at first, but with some knowledge and understanding, a prospective petitioner can discover if he or she qualifies to receive Medicaid benefits. Anyone interested in qualifying for MT Medicaid should carefully review the information provided below.
Who qualifies for Medicaid in Montana?
Understanding who is eligible for Medicaid in Montana is a crucial step to qualifying for benefits. The traditional groups of applicants that meet Medicaid eligibility requirements in MT include children, pregnant women, very low-income parents or guardians, seniors and people with disabilities. These groups that qualify for Medicaid will each have their own eligibility requirements. Before Montana accepted the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in 2015, some low-income residents in need of medical benefits could not receive Medicaid, because they did not fit into one of the above groups. The Medicaid expansion extended MT Medicaid eligibility to low-income adults who could demonstrate a qualifying income. To learn more about the requirements for Medicaid, you can download our free guide.
What are the requirements for Medicaid in Montana?
Some basic requirements for Medicaid in Montana are established by the federal government. In order to be considered for Medicaid eligibility, a candidate must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a Montana state resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen (permanent resident or legal alien).
- Meet income guidelines.
To qualify for Medicaid benefits in MT, candidates will need to show documentation that provides evidence of these qualifications. Examples of these documents include birth certificates, utility bills and tax returns.
Some candidates who exceed the income requirement may be eligible to enroll in the Medically Needy or “spend-down” category. These beneficiaries will be able to receive Medicaid coverage once they spend a certain amount of their own money on medical costs, just as one would pay a deductible with a private insurance company. To learn more about Medicaid requirements, you can download our free guide today.
What are the income requirements for Medicaid in Montana?
The income requirements for Medicaid in Montana will depend on the candidate’s Medicaid eligibility category. For instance, adults between 19 and 64 years of age can qualify for Medicaid benefits if they can demonstrate an income that is at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). However, this MT Medicaid income requirement will be different for other categories of Medicaid beneficiaries. For example, pregnant women must demonstrate an income that is at or below 157 percent of the FPL .
In addition to considering income when determining Medicaid eligibility in Montana, the state Medicaid program will also take into account what some households have as resources. Some Medicaid candidates, such as pregnant women and children, will not have to undergo a resource test. However, other categories of Medicaid beneficiaries, such as the elderly or blind/disabled, will be subject to a resource test. To be eligible for Medicaid benefits in MT, elderly or blind/disabled candidates cannot have resources that are more than $2,000 for a single individual household or $3,000 for a couple. This resource limit may differ for other Medicaid categories of eligibility.
What are the Medicaid application guidelines in Montana?
After determining their eligibility for Medicaid in Montana, candidates have several ways to apply for benefits. Applying online for Medicaid is a popular and effective way to apply for benefits. This Medicaid application method allows petitioners to save their progress as they complete their Medicaid application. Applicants can also apply by phone or by visiting a local Office of Public Assistance. No matter which application method a candidate chooses, MT Medicaid application guidelines require applicants to submit any necessary documentation along with an accurate and complete application.