Medicaid for low income

[Beezhive85]

My neighbour is in a tough situation finaically and he mentioned that he wants to apply for Medicaid and asked me to help him. I'd gladly do, but I need someone that can help me with the process, or at least point me in the right direction. He's divorced, 55 years old and officially makes a bit over 20k per year with a couple of grand more from doing some side jobs that get him paied in cash. What are his options?

 

[Litterally]

@Beezhive85 I am always amazed when I see people willing to help others! although in this case, it's definitely a bit of a maze sometimes, for Medicaid, the best place to start is your state's Medicaid website or the HealthCare gov website
Since he's 55 and making around $20k officially (plus some cash from side gigs), he's right in the income range where he might qualify
Most states expanded Medicaid, so the income limit is usually around 138% of the federal poverty level
the cash income from side jobs does need to be reported as it counts towards his total income, even if it's cash

The websites will have all the forms and detailed eligibility requirements

 

[hlthcr276]

My neighbour is in a tough situation finaically and he mentioned that he wants to apply for Medicaid and asked me to help him. I'd gladly do, but I need someone that can help me with the process, or at least point me in the right direction. He's divorced, 55 years old and officially makes a bit over 20k per year with a couple of grand more from doing some side jobs that get him paied in cash. What are his options?

That's very kind of you to help your neighbor!!
Try to check if he qualifies for Medicaid based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income rules especially since he's not yet 65.
I also agree with @Litterally that his cash income needs to be reported.
He should apply through his Healthcare.gov, directly through his state's Medicaid agency, or even in person at the local office of your Department of Social and Health Services.

 

[WackoJ]

If he's making cash under the table and still applying for Medicaid, that's skating a fine ethical line. The system's already stretched thin, people bending income rules make it harder for truly needy folks to get help.

 

[Beezhive85]

If he's making cash under the table and still applying for Medicaid, that's skating a fine ethical line. The system's already stretched thin, people bending income rules make it harder for truly needy folks to get help.

I know and he knows, but that under the table cash is a drop in the pond and while it does help him stay afloat, it's not like he's making millions on the side. He's keeping a record of everything and he only once managed to go a tad above the 25K mark. Last year he was below 24K.