Laurie, there’s a catch to being on Medicaid. I’m in Pennsylvania in Hud Section 8 Housing. My health is a nightmare, my finances are rock bottom. This is a high rise building with 100 apartments. It was originally built for the elderly in 1976. As times changed, so did the requirements. At first, you had to be 65 or older, then laws changed and you qualified if you were medically handicapped and less than 65. Then it was lowered to above 42 I believe and handicapped. Income is also factored in and any resources you may own. Your income determines the amount you’ll pay. The income limits are high enough almost anyone 42 or above and handicapped will qualify. I’ll turn 80 next year, if I live long enough. My income is just Social Security. I had to laugh when I filled out the application. Low income amount was way above me, Very low income level was still above my income, Critically low level was still $3000 above me. Am I poor, yep, but I have my own apartment and pay only 30% of my adjusted income for rent. The state pays for the rest of my rent. My utilities are also included except phone and TV connection.

Because I am so poor and sickly with many major health problems including my entire spine. I smashed two different windshields with my forehead compressing my spine. My neck, between the shoulder blades snd lower lumbar discs are all screwed up. Since my body is such a mess with many heart, kidney and blood troubles, I’m on our Medicaid program including food stamps. I pay no medical bills, pay $1.30 per prescription and living off other people’s generosity. But I started working in 1952 at age 9 and retired in 2006 at 62.

So my advice to you is prepare to live a life that is very restricted if you want the government to help you. There’s help out here for you but it comes with many restrictions. If you’re ready for the government to control your life, tell you what you can or cannot do, pack your bags, nothing else. You can start a new life and apply for your state’s Medicaid or equivalent system as a Handicapped applicant under 65.