Can I qualify for Medicaid if I have a job?
Is it possible to qualify for Medicaid in Utah if I’m employed but have a low income?
Yes, it is possible to qualify for Medicaid in Utah even if you are employed, as long as your income falls within the program’s eligibility limits. Medicaid in Utah is designed to assist low-income individuals and families, including those who are working but still have limited financial resources. Here’s how it works:
1. Income Requirements for Employed Individuals
Medicaid eligibility in Utah is based on your household income in relation to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Even if you are employed, you may qualify if your income falls below the required limits for your household size and Medicaid category.
A. Income Limits Based on Household Size
The income limits for Medicaid are calculated as a percentage of the FPL, and they vary depending on the size of your household and the type of Medicaid coverage you are applying for. The following are examples of common Medicaid categories and their income limits:
Parents/Caretakers: Up to 60% of the FPL.
Pregnant Women: Up to 138% of the FPL.
Adults without dependent children (Medicaid expansion): Up to 138% of the FPL.
Even if you are employed, as long as your income is below these limits, you may qualify for Medicaid in Utah.
B. How Employment Income Is Counted
Medicaid in Utah considers your gross monthly income when determining eligibility. This includes wages from employment as well as any other sources of income, such as Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, or alimony. If your total household income falls below the set thresholds, you may still qualify, even if you are employed.
2. Medicaid Expansion in Utah
With Medicaid expansion, adults without dependent children can qualify for Medicaid if their income is up to 138% of the FPL. This means that more low-income working adults are eligible for Medicaid coverage, even if they do not have children or other dependents. This expansion was designed to make Medicaid more accessible to individuals with low income, regardless of their employment status.
3. Other Medicaid Programs for Working Individuals
Utah also offers programs to support low-income working individuals who may need healthcare assistance but do not qualify for traditional Medicaid:
Medicaid Work Incentive Program: This program is designed for individuals with disabilities who are employed but still need Medicaid coverage.
Primary Care Network (PCN): For those who don’t qualify for Medicaid, PCN offers limited coverage, focusing on primary care services for low-income adults.
4. How to Apply if You’re Employed
If you are employed and believe you may qualify for Medicaid due to low income, you can apply for Medicaid in Utah by:
Submitting an application online at the Utah Medicaid website or healthcare.gov.
Providing proof of income: You’ll need to submit documentation of your income, such as pay stubs, to verify your financial eligibility.
Key Takeaways:
Employment status does not automatically disqualify you from receiving Medicaid in Utah. If your income is low, you may still qualify.
Medicaid in Utah uses the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to determine eligibility, and working individuals can qualify if their household income falls within the required limits.
Utah’s Medicaid expansion allows low-income adults without dependent children to qualify for coverage.
For personalized help determining if you qualify for Medicaid while employed, schedule an appointment with a Tsunami Advisor here: Schedule an Appointment.
