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What is Medicaid?

The Utah Medicaid program pays medical bills for people

  • who qualify for a category of Medicaid; [Categories are listed on the General Information page, under "Utah Medicaid Programs. Categories of Medicaid and who qualifies.]
  • who have low income or cannot afford the cost of health care;
  • who have resources (assets) under the federal limit for the category of Medicaid.

An individual must qualify each month for continued coverage. The monthly income standard varies between approximately 55% and 133% of the Federal Poverty Level, depending on category. A person whose income exceeds the monthly income limit may be considered for the Medically Needy program.  This program, also referred to as the "spenddown" program, allows a person who is otherwise eligible either to pay "excess" monthly income to the State of Utah or to accept responsibility for a portion of their monthly medical bills. 

The resource limit varies, depending on the category of Medicaid.  There is no resource limit for newborn children or pregnant women. Otherwise, the typical limit is $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for two persons, with $25.00 added for each additional person.

"Exploring Medicaid"

A brochure entitled "Exploring Medicaid" explains the eligibility process, rights and responsibilities, the selection of a health care provider, and the services covered by Medicaid.  Go to the General Information page, and look for links to the brochure under the heading Utah Medicaid Brochures in English and Spanish.

Medicaid vocabulary terms - Words, phrases and acronymns (abbreviations and initials) that are commonly used in the Medicaid program.

The Utah Medicaid program is administered jointly by the Utah Department of Health and the Utah Department of Workforce Services. Benefits are paid with federal and state funds.