Navigating Marriage and Medicaid
My husband and I just tied the knot at the end of 2024, and we’re working through the complexities of filing our taxes together and figuring out insurance options.
Right now, he’s on Medicaid because of his income, but my income pushes us over the limit for eligibility. Unfortunately, my job has a policy that doesn’t allow me to add him to my insurance plan until the next enrollment period in May.
I have a couple of questions:
1. Will Medicaid let him keep his coverage until May?
2. If he retains his Medicaid coverage until then, will he need to repay for any medical procedures or appointments he has during that time?
Thank you for your help! Apologies for the lengthy question!
Congratulations on your marriage! Navigating insurance and taxes can be tricky, but I’ll do my best to help you with your questions.
Will Medicaid allow him to keep insurance coverage until May?
In most cases, Medicaid coverage can continue even if there is a change in household income, but this largely depends on the specific regulations of your state. Generally, Medicaid does not automatically terminate coverage when a person’s income changes; they will usually assess his eligibility based on his income at the time of renewal or recertification. It might be a good idea for your husband to contact his state Medicaid office to discuss his situation and verify how income changes might affect his coverage.
If he keeps it until May, will he have to repay for any procedures/appointments that he gets done?
Typically, if your husband is still eligible for Medicaid at the time he receives medical services, he should not have to pay back for those services even if he becomes ineligible later. However, if he is determined to be ineligible retroactively (for example, based on the new household income), there is a possibility that he could be responsible for costs related to those procedures after the point of ineligibility. Again, confirming the specifics with the state Medicaid office or a healthcare advocate can provide clarity based on your exact circumstances.
It’s essential to communicate with your state’s Medicaid office for personalized and accurate advice. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!