Medicaid is one of the most crucial programs for American citizens as millions of people rely on Medicaid for health care, nursing and home coverage. Despite its necessity, many people believe the myths surrounding the program and its participants.
Luckily, it’s easy to debunk these myths and explain why they continue to spread among specific communities. But what are these Medicaid myths?
Myth #1: Medicaid is only for low-income adults
According to The National Council for Behavior Health, children make up half of the beneficiaries in the United States who receive Medicaid benefits. Among these children, the majority need Medicaid to cover the cost of special health care needs, including life-saving treatments.
There is also a substantial population of Medicaid recipients who are disabled and depend on benefits to cover the costs for medical treatments or assistance in their homes. Medicaid helps families and adults in all stages of life.
Myth #2: Most recipients do not work
Most people assume that Medicaid participants do not hold jobs or wouldn’t need Medicaid if they had a job. Unfortunately, neither of those statements are true. Many recipients do have jobs (and possibly careers), but their office does not offer healthcare.
The burden of health care falls onto the employee’s shoulders and many workers turn to Medicaid to ensure healthcare coverage.
Myth #3: Once you qualify for Medicaid, the government covers all your care
Many citizens believe that Medicaid participants have all their care covered through government benefits. But that isn’t the case, especially in nursing homes. Most nursing home residents have to use all their income to pay for care and housing. There is an exemption for a small “personal allowance” to cover the cost of clothes, laundry, etc.
There is a negative stigma that people who depend on Medicaid for health care, but it’s crucial to remember that the government does not want people abusing its programs, including Medicaid. They want to make sure that participants are receiving the help they need, so do not buy into every Medicaid myth.
