How Does Government Assistance for Health Insurance Work?
While many view healthcare as a basic human right, its access can be limited for various reasons.
Numerous health insurance programs and grants in the United States help patients pay medical bills.
Several social insurance and social welfare programs are funded by the US government to provide world-class healthcare to every citizen, especially low-income, dependent individual groups.
The US government funds several health coverage programs for low-income families and seniors, enabling them to access the best healthcare and medical treatments.
Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Health Administration, and TRICARE are major government programs providing health insurance, each serving specific eligible groups.
Here’s where to apply for government assistance for health insurance
Let’s check out some of the most efficient and easy sources to apply for and successfully receive government-aided health insurance coverage for medical treatments and healthcare needs:
1. Medicare
Medicare is a federal social insurance program in the US. It provides health insurance coverage to the elderly (those above 65 years of age), the totally and permanently disabled, and patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and Lou Gehrig’s disease.
This federally-funded health insurance program has helped to improve the healthcare status of numerous uninsured adults suffering from chronic health disorders.
Medicare serves as primary health insurance for eligible individuals. It ensures the enrollee can easily bear the cost of unforeseen medical disorders or injuries.
2. Medicaid
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, provides health coverage primarily to low-income individuals and families and is considered both a social welfare and a social insurance program.
Thanks to the latest Affordable Care Act, the scope of health treatments has increased dramatically in the past few years.
You can be eligible for applying and receiving Medicaid health coverage benefits if:
- Your income is under 133% of the federal poverty level
- Medicare does not cover you
- The state you reside in accepts Medicaid health coverage
3. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP, short for Children’s Health Insurance Program, is another excellent health insurance coverage jointly provided by the state and federal governments.
This program applies to children belonging to families that earn over the limit specified for Medicaid health coverage but cannot buy private health insurance.
Individual states offer CHIP health insurance benefits according to the criteria outlined under the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.
These programs may be offered as separate child health programs, such as expanding Medicaid or a combination CHIP program.
4. Military Health Benefits
The US federal government provides extensive health insurance coverage to all retired and active service members and their dependents.
This health insurance is provided through the Department of Defense via the Military Health System (MHS) and TRICARE.
MHS includes direct care provided at Military Treatment Facilities and supplemented by the TRICARE insurance program.
In addition, veterans of the US Armed Forces can also avail of extensive health insurance coverage under the Veteran Health Administration.
5. Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage initiative expands the health coverage options for people with basic Medicare coverage.
It was launched to satisfy the increasingly growing demand for Medicare spending and to provide additional and varied choices to Medicare beneficiaries.
6. Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is a private insurance option for Medicare beneficiaries to purchase prescription drugs.
This is an excellent option for patients who are suffering from chronic ailments that require regular but expensive prescription drugs for control and treatment.
7. Indian Health Service
The IHS, short for Indian Health Service, is a federally funded health insurance program that allows Indigenous American Indians to receive medical assistance at IHS healthcare facilities.
This health coverage also helps cover the cost of services outside the IHS network.
Conclusion
The good news is that there are several ways to get government assistance for health insurance. However, these are only provided to applicants who fulfill the individual criteria of these health coverage programs.
Hence, it is highly advisable to consult with your local physician or the community healthcare center to learn more about the programs and your eligibility.
It is also possible to get help with medical bills after insurance if you lose your insurance.
Follow us