Can I “spenddown” to get Family Health Plus coverage (as Medicaid allows)?
Family Health Plus does not have the same rules as Medicaid. You cannot “spenddown” your income by paying medical expenses in order to be eligible for Family Health Plus. If your income is above the Family Health Plus limits, you are not eligible. However, if you are eligible for Medicaid with spenddown, you may also be eligible to enroll in Family Health Plus. Generally, non-disabled, single individuals and couples without children between the ages of 21 and 64 are not eligible to participate in the Medicaid spenddown program. If you are eligible for both programs, you can decide which program is better for you. The local social services district or enrollment facilitator can help you make this decision.
