Beginning January 1, 2002, more North Dakota children and working families may qualify for Medicaid health coverage. A state law takes effect that date which removes the limit on the amount of assets that families, children, and pregnant women can own and still qualify for the health coverage program for low-income persons.
This change will affect people who apply for Medicaid's children and family coverage group. Some low-income working families who were denied Medicaid health coverage before because of a second car, a savings account, or other assets will benefit from the change. It should also be easier to apply because people won't have to provide information about their assets.
The legislated change does not apply to people who may qualify for Medicaid coverage under the aged, blind and disabled coverage group. Those individuals will still have to meet asset limits and other criteria to obtain the government-funded health coverage.
Human services staff estimate that about 700 additional children and adults might apply for Medicaid coverage because of the change. In addition, about 900 children who were eligible for the Healthy Steps children's health insurance plan may now qualify for Medicaid. Their health coverage will shift to Medicaid when each child's 12-month coverage period for Healthy Steps ends - if parents apply for Medicaid. Medicaid provides more comprehensive coverage.
In North Dakota, Medicaid currently covers 44,226 people. Of those individuals, 29,353 have health coverage under the children and family coverage group. In comparison, 2,618 children now have health and dental coverage under the Healthy Steps children's health insurance plan.
For information or applications, contact a county social service office or the North Dakota Department of Human Services, Medical Services Division at (701) 328-2321 or (800) 755-2604, or by mail at 600 E. Boulevard Avenue - Dept. 325, Bismarck ND 58505-9985. Individuals can apply for Medicaid or Healthy Steps by mail.
The human services department is developing an application that can be used to apply for either Medicaid or Healthy Steps coverage. It will help families who apply for coverage without knowing which coverage they may qualify for. When completed, it will be available on the Internet at www.state.nd.us/childrenshealth. A stand-alone Healthy Steps children's health insurance application is already available on that web site.