Will My Child Lose Medicaid If I Get Married?
When you’re expecting a child, you want to make sure that they have the best possible care. That includes health insurance. If you’re not married, you may be wondering if your child will lose Medicaid if you get married. The answer is: it depends.
Medicaid Eligibility for Children
Medicaid is a government health insurance program that provides coverage for low-income individuals and families. Children are automatically eligible for Medicaid if their family’s income is below a certain level. The income limit varies from state to state, but it is typically around 138% of the federal poverty level. This means that a family of four with an income of less than $36,000 per year is likely to be eligible for Medicaid.
What Happens When You Get Married?
When you get married, your income is combined with your spouse’s income for the purpose of determining Medicaid eligibility. This means that if your spouse has a high income, your family’s income may exceed the Medicaid eligibility limit. If this happens, your child may lose Medicaid coverage.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if your child is disabled or has special health needs, they may still be eligible for Medicaid even if your family’s income exceeds the limit. Additionally, some states have programs that allow children to keep Medicaid coverage even if their parents get married. To find out if you qualify for one of these exceptions, you should contact your state Medicaid agency.
What to Do If Your Child Loses Medicaid
If your child loses Medicaid coverage, there are a few things you can do. First, you can try to find another health insurance plan for your child. There are many different types of health insurance plans available, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget and your child’s needs. You can also contact your state Medicaid agency to see if there are any programs available to help you pay for health insurance.
Conclusion
If you are pregnant and not married, it is important to understand how marriage could affect your child’s Medicaid eligibility. If you have any questions about Medicaid eligibility, you should contact your state Medicaid agency.
FAQs
Q: Will my child lose Medicaid if I get married?
A: It depends on your family’s income and your child’s circumstances.
Q: What should I do if my child loses Medicaid?
A: You can try to find another health insurance plan for your child or contact your state Medicaid agency to see if there are any programs available to help you pay for health insurance.
