The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in Indiana was also offered to all other states, and was meant to increase the amount of applicants eligible for Medicaid. The wide institution of ACA Medicaid expansion intends to allow millions of Americans and thousands of Indianans to receive government-backed healthcare benefits. The ACA expansion can essentially help keep more people in good health if they are given affordable health coverage. However, the expansion has raised many questions such as, “What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion?” and, “Will my state expand Medicaid?”
When a state chooses to move forward with the Affordable Care Act expansion, the state’s Medicaid program changes. New Affordable Care Act Medicaid eligibility requirements are then in effect. This means that previous factors, such as one’s family size, will no longer be looked at when determining an applicant’s enrollment status. Most states that have expanded Medicaid accept those who earn up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, with some states varying slightly. Download our guide to review more information about requirements for Medicaid. If state lawmakers look at the Obamacare Medicaid expansion details and do not think the expansion will help their states, no changes will be made to the Medicaid program. If you find yourself asking, “What is the expansion of Medicaid?” or, “Can I use the Affordable Care Act Medicaid application to apply for healthcare?” continue below.
Learn About the ACA Medicaid Expansion in Indiana
Deciding whether or not to accept the Obamacare Medicaid expansion is a difficult choice for lawmakers. The benefits of the expansion include lessening the uninsured rate and helping low-income individuals get health coverage. However, the ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states is an important factor for legislators to take into consideration. While the federal government gives the states partial federal funding for expansion, the state has to cover some of the funding for the program as well. For some states, the cost of the ACA Medicaid expansion is too great, and state officials must decline the expansion. However, the Indiana Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion was approved, and the benefits to the state do not outweigh the costs of the program. Indiana is one of the 31 states that chose to expand Medicaid.
What does choosing the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion mean for Indiana?
The details of the ACA expansion do not affect those who already have Medicaid benefits. The Obamacare expansion of Medicaid mainly affects adults who are between the ages of 19 and 64, especially adults who do not have dependents. Before the Indiana Affordable Care Act expansion, adults who did not have children or disabilities could not receive medical benefits. Now, many more people can learn how to apply for Medicaid, so they can receive benefits. In Indiana, the ACA expansion of Medicaid is called the Healthy Indiana plan. Since enactment, more than 421,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled.
This expansion of the Medicaid program requires recipients to save a portion of their incomes to be used for healthcare costs. While the expansion does help childless adults, families can also meet the qualifications for Medicaid expansion benefits. ACA Medicaid eligibility also affects those who have been in the foster care system. Adults who were in foster care as children can stay in the Medicaid program until they turn 26 years old.
States that have accepted the Affordable Care Act expansion will keep the program for at least 10 years after its installment. Sometime in the 2020s, Indianan lawmakers will review the program and decide if they should keep it as is, or make adjustments to it. Currently, there are no plans to make major changes to the expansion program.
Will the ACA Medicaid Expansion allow me to enroll in Medicaid?
Those legally residing in the United States are allowed to submit applications for Affordable Care Act Medicaid enrollment if their states are participating in the expansion. The Indiana Medicaid application process is relatively simple. If your income is within the new ACA Medicaid eligibility requirements, you will most likely be enrolled in the program. Regardless of the expansion, senior citizens, children and those with disabilities can apply for Medicaid benefits.
Take note: Not everyone who applies for Medicaid benefits will be enrolled in the program. However, not meeting the Medicaid qualifications does not mean you cannot get access to health benefits. The Children’s health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other medical coverage programs are not a part of Medicaid, so Medicaid-ineligible individuals and families can apply to those programs. To learn more about additional medical assistance programs, download our complimentary guide.