Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment Policies for Seniors and People with Disabilities (Non-MAGI) During the Unwinding

(By Alice Burns, Maiss Mohamed, Molly O’Malley Watts, and Bradley Corallo for The Kaiser Family Foundation Published: Jun 20, 2024)

Medicaid is an important source of health and long-term care coverage for low-income people ages 65 and older and those with disabilities. Seniors and people with disabilities account for less than one in four Medicaid enrollees but over half of Medicaid spending. The Medicaid pathways in which eligibility is based on old age or disability are known as “non-MAGI” pathways because they do not use the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) financial methodology that applies to children, pregnant individuals, parents, and other non-elderly adults with low incomes. In addition to considering income and age or disability status, non-MAGI eligibility pathways usually require people to demonstrate that they have limited savings and other financial resources (e.g., assets). Medicaid enrollees who use long-term services and supports (LTSS) must also meet requirements related to their functional needs which are generally measured in terms of the ability to perform activities of daily living such as eating and bathing. Because nearly all non-MAGI pathways are optional, eligibility levels vary substantially across states. Continue reading here…

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