Online Marketplaces Make Medicaid Eligibility Easier

Individuals applying for health coverage in the new online marketplace, which is required by the federal health law, will be immediately informed if they qualify for Medicaid or premium subsidies, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Previously, individuals had to wait days or even weeks until their residential state could determine their eligibility.

Online marketplaces, known as insurance exchanges, are expected to become active in 2014. Exchanges have been given the choice to make a preliminary determination of eligibility for Medicaid while allowing state Medicaid agencies to make the ultimate assessment. They also will be required to use state and federal databases like those kept by Social Security and the Internal Revenue Service to help confirm applicants’ income levels and other pertinent information to determine eligibility.