If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.
Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM at (814) 459-4411.
The Medical Assistance Program provides comprehensive medical insurance benefits to individuals who have very low income and property resources. You apply for Medical Assistance at the Erie County Assistance Office, 1316 Holland Street. Their telephone number is 461-2000 or 1-800-635-1014.
There are three basic Medical Assistance Programs:
The first, termed Categorically Needy, is available to individuals who receive or are eligible for Cash Public Assistance benefits or SSI. The second category, called Medically Needy Only, is available to certain individuals whose income exceeds the eligibility requirements for Cash benefits but whose income and resources remain limited. The third category, called Healthy Beginnings and Healthy Horizons, provide Categorically Needy Medical Assistance to pregnant women and small children, the disabled and those over age 65. Healthy Beginnings and Healthy Horizons allow you to have more income than the other Medical Assistance Programs and still qualify for benefits. The broader income limits for Healthy Beginnings and Healthy Horizons have greatly expanded the availability of Medical Assistance benefits to pregnant women, young children, the disabled and elderly. Also, there are no resource limits for Healthy Beginnings. Individuals who receive Medicare benefits may want to apply for Healthy Horizons benefits as those benefits may help defray the cost of the Medicare deductible. Medical Assistance for workers with a disability is for individuals who are able to do limited part time paid work but not enough to stop their SSI or SSD. This category has the highest resource and income limit for individuals.
You are eligible for Medical Assistance benefits if your income from wages, self-employment, or other sources and your resources, personal property and real estate, fall below limits set by the State and Federal law. Household goods and your residence are not counted as resources. There are certain deductions allowed from income and resources including, most importantly, medical bills you owe or have paid. This deduction is known as "spend down". Some individuals who have significant medical expenses and who otherwise would not be eligible for Medical Assistance may become eligible through "spend down". Under the spend down process, medical bills incurred up to 90 days before application may be covered by the Program. Spend down is not available under the Healthy Beginnings or Healthy Horizons Programs.
Receiving Medical Assistance does not create a lien against your home or other real estate. Therefore, if you believe you might be eligible for Medical Assistance, you should make an appointment with the Erie County Assistance office and find out.
If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.
Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
at (814) 459-4411.