Free Money from Medicaid?! Get Cash, Rent Money, Free Food, Gift Cards & More

Summary

The video script discusses the various unexpected benefits that Medicaid recipients can access, which extend beyond traditional healthcare services. These benefits may include assistance with rent, free gym memberships, and delivered meals, although they can vary significantly by state and specific Medicaid plans. Some states offer housing assistance, covering up to six months of rent, while others provide financial aid for food, health-related cash rewards, and over-the-counter products. Additionally, certain plans provide discounts on streaming services and shopping, offer free or discounted memberships to organizations like the YMCA, and cover transportation to medical appointments. The video emphasizes the importance of checking with one's Medicaid provider to understand what benefits are available and how to qualify for them.

Takeaways

• 🏠 Medicaid can help with housing costs, including covering rent for up to 6 months in some states, reflecting the recognition of housing as a key component of healthcare.
• 🍎 Some states use Medicaid funds to support healthy diets by providing food prescription programs and delivering nutritious meals to qualifying members after hospital stays.
• 💰 Certain Medicaid plans offer cash back rewards for completing health-based activities, which can be used for various expenses like rent, utilities, and education.
• 🧴 Medicaid plans may cover over-the-counter products such as vitamins, lotions, and sunscreen, with a use-it-or-lose-it policy on monthly allowances.
• 🎥 Medicaid beneficiaries may be eligible for discounts on streaming services like Amazon Prime, which offers a reduced subscription rate for members.
• 🛒 There are shopping perks associated with some Medicaid plans, including discounts on Walmart Plus Membership and free Costco Gold Cards.
• 👶 For pregnant individuals or those with children, Medicaid may provide free baby supplies like strollers, car seats, and diapers, and educational support such as free school supplies.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Fitness benefits are available through partnerships with local Medicaid providers and fitness centers, which may include free or discounted gym memberships.
• 🚗 Medicaid covers transportation to and from medical appointments through the non-emergency medical transportation benefit, which can include gas cards or travel reimbursements.
• 🎟️ Museums, zoos, and other cultural institutions may offer free or reduced admission to Medicaid members, contributing to broader access to educational and recreational resources.
• 📚 Medicaid plans can assist with educational costs, including GED vouchers and covering the cost of tests, supporting adults in educational advancement.

Q & A

How do Medicaid benefits vary between states and plans?

Medicaid benefits can differ significantly between states and among different plans within a state. While there are perks available for Medicaid members in all 50 states, specific details and eligibility criteria may be state-specific or plan-specific.

In what states can Medicaid help pay for rent?

Medicaid can help pay for rent in some states, including Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Oregon. The extent of assistance varies, with some states covering up to 6 months of rent for qualifying families.

What is the Housing Opportunities Program in North Carolina?

The Housing Opportunities Program in North Carolina is a special Medicaid pilot program that can provide up to $500 towards utilities or up to $10,000 for home repairs and disability modifications, or up to $2500 for HomeGoods.

How does Medicaid support healthy diets in some states?

Some states use Medicaid funds to support healthy diets through food prescription programs that provide free fruits, vegetables, and other healthy staples. Additionally, many Medicaid plans can provide up to 10 home-delivered meals for qualified members after hospital discharge.

What are the cash back rewards offered by some Medicaid plans?

Some Medicaid plans, like the My Health Pays rewards in the North Carolina WeCare plan, offer cash back rewards of up to $75 a year. These rewards are earned by completing certain health-based activities, such as getting a flu shot or completing a well-child visit.

How does Medicaid offer discounts on streaming services?

Medicaid offers discounts on streaming services through partnerships, such as the Amazon Prime Access program, which provides a 50% discount off the regular price for Medicaid members, allowing them to enjoy benefits like free shipping, streaming, and more for as little as $6.99 a month.

What are the special perks for pregnant women or those with children under Medicaid?

Pregnant women or those with children may receive free items such as strollers, car seats, portable cribs, or diapers from Medicaid in many states. Additionally, some plans offer incentives for children, like free memberships to the Boys and Girls Club or help with education costs.

How can Medicaid help with gym memberships?

Many Medicaid plans have partnerships with local fitness centers, including the YMCA, to offer free or discounted memberships. It's important to contact the Medicaid provider to inquire about available gym or fitness benefits.

What is the non-emergency medical transportation benefit provided by Medicaid?

The non-emergency medical transportation benefit covers transportation to and from Medicaid-covered appointments. This can be provided in various forms, such as gas cards, travel reimbursement, or arranged rides with a provider.

How can Medicaid members take advantage of discounts at cultural institutions?

Medicaid members can unlock free or low-cost admission to museums, zoos, aquariums, planetariums, science centers, and botanical gardens that participate in the EBT admission discount program.

What should one do to find out more about specific Medicaid benefits in their area?

To find out more about specific Medicaid benefits, one should contact their Medicaid provider. They can inquire about available benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to access these services.

How does the use-it-or-lose-it policy apply to over-the-counter allowances in Medicaid plans?

The use-it-or-lose-it policy means that if a Medicaid member does not use their full over-the-counter allowance in one month, the unused portion does not roll over to the next month. They will start with a fresh allowance at the beginning of the next month.