Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol

Some low-income families were dropped from Medicaid programs as states worked to balance budget.

However, the healthcare overhaul could once again get coverage for these families.

Kaiser Health News reports:

As of April 1, states can apply for federal funding to expand their Medicaid programs to cover low-income people earning up to 133 percent of the poverty level, or $14,404 for an individual and $29,326.50 for a family of four. If implemented nationwide, this vast increase would bring 15 million more people into the safety-net program, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Typically, Medicaid covers kids from families that earn less than the poverty level, and in some cases, their parents. Adults without children are usually not eligible, although some states include them.

Wisconsin’s program is completely financed by the state, but it could still be eligible for federal funds. Most states pay for only a portion of their Medicaid programs.