The only benefits that are relevant to the public charge decision are public cash assistance for income maintenance and institutionalization for long-term care at Government expense.  Institutionalization for short periods for rehabilitation purposes will not be considered.  Non-cash public benefits are not considered because they are of a supplemental nature and do not demonstrate primary dependence on the Government.

Although it is not possible to list all of the non-cash public benefits that will not be considered, you will not risk being found inadmissible as an alien likely to become a public charge by receiving non-cash benefits under the following programs or benefit categories:

1. The Food Stamp program, 7 U.S.C. 2011, et seq.,
2. The Medicaid program, 42 U.S.C. 1396, et seq. (other than payments under the Medicaid program for long-term institutional care);
3. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), 42 U.S.C. 1397aa, et seq.;
4. Health insurance and health services (other than public benefits for costs of institutionalization for long-term care), including, but not limited to, emergency medical services, public benefits for immunizations and for testing and treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases, and use of health clinics;
5. Nutrition programs, including, but not limited to, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), 42 U.S.C. 1786; and programs that operate under the National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.; the Child Nutrition Act, 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.; and the Emergency Food Assistance Act, 7 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.;

1. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program pays for the Medicare Part A and B premiums, co-insurance and deductibles.  To be eligible you must have income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.
2. The Specified Low-Income Beneficiary and Qualifying Individual 1 program pays for the Medicare Part "B" premium.  To be eligible you must have income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level.
3. The Qualified Disabled Working Individual program pays the Medicare Part "A" premium.  To be eligible you must have income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, be disabled, be employed and eligible under any other Medicaid program.

Yes.  The 250 Percent Working Disabled program allows you to buy into the Medicare program by paying monthly premiums on a sliding scale based on your monthly income. Premiums range from a minimum of $20 to a maximum of $250 per month for an eligible individual, or from $30 to $375 for an eligible couple.

To be eligible for the 250 Percent Working Disabled program, you must:

• Continue to meet the federal definition of disability as defined in federal law for Social Security disability programs, although you are able to work, pay a monthly premium based on net countable income, and meet all other non-financial Medicaid eligibility requirements.

1. Presumptive Disability allows you to get Medicaid as a disabled person while waiting for a final determination of disability. Presumptive Disability covers only certain types of illnesses/diseases and conditions.  Ask your eligibility worker if your special situation qualifies you for Presumptive Disability.
2. If your special situation is not covered under Presumptive Disability, it may take up to 90 days or more to determine if you meet the definition of disability and can receive Medicaid as a disabled person.