Learn How To Apply For Medicaid Assistance With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Medicaid Assistance With Our Guide

We Provide a Free Guide

Our FREE guide provides helpful information about how to apply for benefits. Learn more about us here.

Clear & Simple
Information
Free and easy
guide
Personalized
Offers
Get the Guide

The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in Kentucky and in other states offers government-backed healthcare to patients who did not otherwise qualify. News of the ACA expansion has left many asking, “What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion?” and, “How will this impact my medical benefits?” The Obamacare Medicaid expansion details may seem complicated, but they are actually rather simple. If a state chooses the Medicaid expansion, then that state’s Medicaid eligibility requirements will be largely affected. The new Affordable Care Act Medicaid eligibility requirements will look at income, alone as the deciding factor for acceptance. In most cases, those who earn 133 percent of the federal poverty level or less will qualify for Medicaid assistance. Other factors, like family status, will not be factored in to one’s qualification status. If a state foregoes the expansion, the existing Medicaid enrollment standards will not be changed. If you still find yourself wondering, “What is the expansion of Medicaid?” or “How can I fill out the Affordable Care Act Medicaid application?” continue reading the page below.

Learn About the ACA Medicaid Expansion in Kentucky

Deciding to accept or to opt out of the ACA Medicaid expansion is not an easy choice for lawmakers. The Obamacare Medicaid plan does help many low-income individuals get the medical benefits they need, but the financial implications of the plan can be too much for some states. The federal government does provide a lot of resources to states that have expanded Medicaid, but it does not mean the states’ budgets would not be affected by moving forward with the expansion. The ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states can be upward of $1 billion per state over the course of a decade. Therefore, several states have voted against the installment of the expansion. Out of 50 states, 31 states and the District of Columbia have chosen to be a part of the ACA expansion. Kentucky is one of these states. Kentucky lawmakers decided that the ACA expansion costs were not too great for the state to accommodate. To review more information on who accepted the ACA expansion, download our guide.

What does choosing the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion mean for Kentucky?

The Affordable Care Act Medicaid plan does not affect anyone currently receiving Medicaid coverage, regardless of if a state votes for or against the expansion. The most noticeable change the ACA Medicaid expansion plan brings about is the new criteria for enrollment. Eligibility for ACA expanded-Medicaid covers any adult from age 19 to 64 who earns up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line in Kentucky. The old Kentucky Medicaid eligibility standards are no longer in effect. This means that more adults, especially childless adults, can receive health benefits. Before the expansion of Kentucky Medicaid, the medical benefits were mostly limited to the elderly, children, those with disabilities and parents or caregivers. This change in the enrollment criteria allows more residents of Kentucky to get affordable healthcare coverage.

Obamacare-expanded Medicaid also helps adults who were a part of the foster care system as children. These individuals may stay enrolled in the Medicaid system until they are 26 years old. The expansion also helps the state increase programs around smoking cessation and family planning.

States that have accepted the ACA expansion of Medicaid have helped contribute to cutting the national uninsured rate in half. It has also contributed to lowering the rate of unpaid medical bills. Currently, the state of Kentucky plans to keep the expansion of Medicaid as is, but there may be changes made in the coming years as lawmakers might need to make small adjustments to keep the program functioning well.

Will the ACA Medicaid Expansion allow me to enroll in Medicaid?

The KY Medicaid application form is available to all those who reside in the state. However, not everyone interested in learning how to apply for Medicaid will get into the program. Make sure to check the qualifications for the program before you submit your application. While the expansion mainly helps adults, other populations can also apply for Medicaid or another form of medical benefits.

If an applicant for Kentucky Medicaid is denied enrollment, he or she may have other options available. Certain programs for medical benefits are available to Kentucky residents who may not necessarily meet Medicaid enrollment standards. To learn about government-sponsored healthcare options, download our complimentary guide.