Medicaid


	Overview


	Funding Resource Center home

Medicaid is the largest program designed to provide medical and health-related services to people with low incomes, and pay for covered medical services. Title 19 of the Social Security Act is a program that provides medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. The Medicaid program is funded through a cooperative venture between the Federal and State governments. Within broad national guidelines which the Federal government provides, each of the States:

establishes its own eligibility standards;

determines the type, amount, duration, and scope of services;

sets the rate of payment for services; and

administers its own program.

Assistive technology devices can be purchased as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) under this program. Once Medicaid purchases a device for an individual, the device belongs to the individual and not Medicaid.


	Eligibility Requirements

	To qualify for Medicaid, an individual must meet income and resource limits, and be medically needy or fall into an eligibility category specified by your state. Anyone receiving Supplementary Security Income (SSI) benefits is automatically eligible. Medicaid will only purchase equipment if the individual has a direct medical need for the specific equipment is proven. There must also be a doctor’s prescription.

	Application Process

	You can apply for Medicaid at the local offices of the Social Security Administration.

	Medicaid Medical Policy for Your State

	For information on Medicaid, select your state on the map below.