Aged, blind, and disabled (ABD) Medicaid provides coverage for a broad range of health services, including doctors’ visits, hospital care, and medical equipment if:

  • You are 65+, blind, or have a disability
  • And, you meet the financial eligibility requirements

In many cases, Medicare and Medicaid will work together to cover your health care costs. Medicaid also pays for some services that Medicare does not cover, such as transportation to medical appointments, certain dental services, and additional home care.

Even if your income and assets are higher than your state’s ABD Medicaid guidelines, you should still apply. This is because:

  • Certain kinds of income may not be counted (such as what you pay for health insurance), and all states exclude at least $20 of all income.
  • Income limits may be higher if there are more than two people in your household.
  • The first $65 of your monthly earned income will not be counted.
  • One-half of your monthly earned income (after the first $65 is deducted) will not be counted.

In addition, some states offer a Medicaid spend-down program or medically needy program for individuals with incomes over their state’s eligibility requirements. This program allows you to deduct your medical expenses and some other health care costs from your income so that you can qualify for Medicaid. Contact your local Medicaid office to learn if a spend-down is available in your state.