Low-income seniors living in Baltimore County may be eligible for the state’s Medicaid program. To receive Medicaid coverage, seniors must be Maryland residents, have a social security number, be a U.S. citizen/qualified immigrant and meet the income limits. The standard state income limits are $16,612 for individuals and $22,490 for two-person households. Income limits for seniors may vary by area, however. Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income are automatically eligible for the state’s Medicaid program.
Maryland’s Medicaid program offers benefits such as emergency medical transportation and clinic, laboratory, X-ray, medical day care, pharmacy and vision care services. The standard Medicaid plan does not usually cover the cost of assisted living facilities. To receive financial assistance for assisted living, seniors may need to apply to one of the state’s waiver programs.
If seniors are deemed eligible for Medicaid, they are required to choose a managed care organization. MCOs provide seniors with individual care plans. Baltimore County seniors can choose from a range of MCOs, including Aetna Better Health of Maryland, Kaiser Permanente, MedStar Family Choice, Jai Medical Systems and AMERIGROUP Community Care. If seniors do not choose an MCO during the application process, they are assigned one at random. While all Maryland’s MCO programs cover basic health services, such as doctor’s visits and hospital services, other benefits vary by plan. Seniors with specific health needs should research their MCO options before making a selection.
To request information on income requirements or an application for Medicaid, seniors in Baltimore County can call their local Department of Human Services branch at (410) 853-3000.