CMS Issues Final Rule on Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

CMS has clarified the eligibility and income standards for the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (AKA "Obamacare"). Starting in 2014, Medicaid will be available to those between 19 and 64 who have incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level (currently, that's $14,845 for an individual and $30,656 for a family of four).

The rule also states that people who have disabilities or need long-term services and support may enroll in an existing Medicaid eligibility category to make sure that they find coverage that best fits their needs.

The federal matching rate (the figure that the government will pay each state under the ACA) still remains to be determined and should be released later this year. Medicaid currently pays for more than 40 percent of the long-term care delivered in nursing homes.

To read the final rule, click here.