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Page Last Updated
11/07/2008
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“It’s
not just for kids anymore.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
NEW HealthCare For more families!
Begins July 1, 2008!
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1. I am a parent or a family member caring for a child (or
children) who are
enrolled in medical assistance. Can I apply? |
Yes, Maryland’s Medical
Assistance for Families initiative expands medical assistance. Now,
parents, and other family members caring for children whose income is
for example less than $20,500 for a family of three, are eligible for
medical assistance. (Click
here for income eligibility chart)
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2. As part of the new Medical Assistance for Families
initiative, how will I
get care? |
Most individuals
participating in Medical Assistance for Families are enrolled in one of
HealthChoice’s Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). These organizations
offer services including free comprehensive health coverage as well as
low-cost or free prescription drug benefits.
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3. I am pregnant and need health insurance. Where should I
go to get it? |
Depending on your family
size and household income, you may be eligible for medical assistance.
For example, if you are pregnant and make less than $35,000, you are
eligible for medical assistance. (Click
here for a detailed income eligibility chart) Pregnant
women should:
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4. I am eligible for medical assistance. Can I receive
coverage for my
unpaid medical bills?
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You may be eligible for
some medical coverage for medical bills incurred three months prior to
enrollment. Talk to your case worker about your eligibility for
information on additional coverage.
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| 5.
Am I eligible for Medical Assistance for Families or
the PAC program? |
Starting July 1, 2008,
Medical Assistance for Families will cover parents and other family
members caring for children who make, for example, less than $20,500 for
a family of three. PAC will continue to cover adults without
dependents.
(Click
here for income eligibility chart)
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There are multiple ways
to apply including:
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On-Line at
www.marylandSAIL.org, once the application is completed
be sure to print and mail or fax the signature page to the local
Health Department if it is only for medical assistance or the local
Department of Social Services if it is medical assistance and other
social service benefits.
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By Mail or Fax, by printing an application at
http://www.dhmh.state.md.us./ma4families/hrml/application.htm
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By Calling 1-800-456-8900 to have an application sent
to you,
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If you are pregnant or applying for Medical
Assistance only, visit your Local Health Department to fill out an
application, or
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If you want to apply for other services, such as food
stamps, visit your Local Department of Social Services and fill out
an application.
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You can visit your local Health Department or
Department of Social Services to complete an application.
(Click
Here for a Detailed List of Local Health Departments)
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7. How long does it take to complete the application? |
It should take less than
30 minutes to complete a medical assistance application, if you have the
necessary information which is listed below.
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General Information (such as Name, Address, Telephone
Number),
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Information about family members (such as names and
birth dates),
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Proof of Citizenship and Identity for all family
members applying,
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For a list of ways to prove citizenship and identity,
(Click
here for link to list of citizenship and identity documents)
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Social Security numbers of all family members
applying for health care,
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Sources and amounts of family income,
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Information on any other health insurance coverage,
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Child care expenses and verification (if applicable).
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8. Can I apply for food stamps and/or day care subsidies
at the same time as
medical assistance? |
Yes, you can apply for
medical assistance and social services together. Both the local
department of social services and the SAIL online program
https://www.marylandsail.org/ accepts applications for medical
assistance as well as other types of social services.
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9. What if I have more questions? |
Please call the
Maryland’s Medical Assistance hotline at 1-800-456-8900 or email
MAExpansion@dhmh.state.md.us, if you have any additional
questions.
Medical
Assistance for Families
will include the
same benefits currently available to HealthChoice enrollees, and
the new income limits will now make the program available to
more people. You can find the benefits and covered services
available from HealthChoice MCOs at:
http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma/healthchoice/
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10.
I
was enrolled in PAC but got a letter saying I am now in Medical
Assistance for
Families,
does my children's health care change? |
No, your children’s health care will not change. You will be
joining your children as a Medical Assistance enrollee and a
HealthChoice member. Your children will keep the same coverage and you
will join them in Medical Assistance, which offers more health
benefits than the PAC program.
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11.
I
have a letter saying that I was being changed from PAC to
Medical Assistance for
Families,
but I want to stay in PAC.What should I do? |
Medical Assistance for
Families offers more health benefits than PAC; however, you can remain
in the PAC program if you would like. Please contact the PAC office at
1-800-226-2142 and request to be put back into the PAC program and
have your Medical Assistance for Families case be closed.
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Adults without
dependent children with incomes under 116% of FPL, about $20,000
annually for a family of three, are currently eligible for the
Primary Adult Care (PAC)
Program.
Medical Assistance for
Families will allow these adults to have access to more
services through PAC beginning in July 2009, depending on the
availability of funds.
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