[hartbroken]

My girlfriend and I want to get married in 2014. I have schizoaffective and diabetes, so Medicaid is paramount for my survival, and would cripple us as a couple if we had to pay through some other way than Medicaid.

I went to the Medicaid office to talk to my caseworker, and find out some information about spenddown amounts and she told me the only way to know if I'll even be eligible for Medicaid after they count my wife to be's income is to get married and report the income change and then they will decide.

My girlfriend said no, she didn't want to take that chance of me losing my coverage if we got married and counted in her income. My parents agree, but would like us to be married if we're to be intimate. I agree with my parents since I grew up believing the same thing.

I'm totally confused and tired of thinking this thing thru. I'm very frustrated, because the system makes it impossible to get needed Medicaid for permanently disabled individuals who want to marry someone who may be on the borderline income.

[Nobodyandnothing]

If you are eligible for SSDI, you will qualify for Medicare after 24 months, no matter your age. Hope this helps. You may also want to ask someone else in the Medicaid office!

[Perna]

It is very confusing and states have different rules/caps, etc. From what I could figure out it's only around $2,700 a month max, for the two of you, all income (yours and hers); housing expense could make a difference; do you live with your parents now? If you all lived in your own place, that would be an expense that might make a difference? See if you can make anything out of this:

Medicaid income limits

[Victoria'smom]

I have always been told if you receive even a $1 in SSI then you're eligible for medicaid. Please talk to SSA office not DCF office.

[shezbut]

hartbroken,

It is a very sad and screwy situation indeed. I live in an apartment building for disabled people, and have gotten to know a few married couples as time has passed.

Two of the couples kept their finances and apartments separately, as they were in a better position this way. One of the couples believed in sharing an apartment, finances, etc. Very strangely, this last couple has been on the sad side of the road. They pay more for everything. And they aren't allowed as much in SSI/SSDI, due to the income limits. Very, very messed up!

I DON'T GET IT!! Really stupid, imo. Maybe that will be fixed someday.