New Hampshire Medicaid Updates and SSDI

Several upgrades in services offered to Medicaid users have become law in New Hampshire. New Hampshire residents will begin to notice improvements to New Hampshire’s Medicaid program. Medicaid is a state federally financed health insurance plan. Many of New Hampshire’s senior citizens, disabled residents, and low-income residents depend on Medicaid for their health care.

If you or a loved one needs assistance applying for or appealing a Medicaid or Social Security Disability Insurance decision, the attorneys at Ward Law can help. Contact our Manchester law offices today to learn how one of our experienced attorneys can help you fight for the benefits you deserve.

Changes to Medicaid in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Senator Jeb Bradley authored a new mandate that allows Medicaid recipients to receive home-visiting services for pregnant mothers and newborns. Evidence shows that home visitations significantly reduce negative long-term impacts on children exposed to mental health and substance abuse issues. Currently, all Medicaid eligible families qualify for these benefits.

Dental care programs will now become available for all Medicaid recipients. The dental care program will include preventative dental care. Previously, Medicaid limited coverage to the treatment of severe pain and dental infections. New Hampshire lawmakers determined that access to quality dental care directly affects a person’s overall health long-term.

How do Medicaid Benefits and Social Security Disability Benefits Work Together?

New Hampshire residents who are approved for disability benefits also receive Medicare or Medicaid benefits. Disabled individuals who are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are eligible to receive Medicare in New Hampshire.

Individuals who are approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) typically receive Medicaid. However, recipients of SSDI are not eligible to receive benefits from Medicare until two years after the date they became entitled to the benefit. On the other hand, Social Security Income recipients do not need to wait to receive Medicaid in New Hampshire.

Like Social Security Income payments, eligibility for Medicaid is subject to asset and income limitations. Individuals who qualify for Medicaid in New Hampshire will be able to visit doctors and fill prescriptions each month. Under certain circumstances, Medicaid covers nursing home care.

Medicare coverage for individuals who receive Social Security Income payments does not occur until the individual reaches age 65 if they were only entitled to receive monthly SSI disability benefits. At age 65, New Hampshire residents can file an “uninsured Medicare claim,” which saves New Hampshire the cost of Medicaid coverage. New Hampshire will pay the medical premiums for an uninsured person to be in Medicare so that their health care coverage costs provided through Medicaid go down. Medicare offers “extra help” with prescription drug costs for individuals with limited income and assets.

Our Attorneys can Help

Figuring out which Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits to apply for can be confusing. If your Medicaid or Social Security claim has been denied, you may have a right to appeal the decision. At Ward Law, our skilled Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys can walk you through the process. Contact our Manchester law firm today to learn how our attorneys can help you apply for benefits.