Dependent and Medicaid

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
April 2, 2025
1 reply
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Can an adult parent who has no earnings (unemployeed) qualify for Medicaid and be my dependent on my tax return without repercussions to me?

I.e., can I be forced to pay for their healthcare if they are my dependent?

If I do not claim them as my dependent, can they then receive Medicaid if I provide their shelter (they live in my house)?

This is in NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Thanks

Ask the Experts - MetLife VIII - April 2025

MAK70

You must be very careful claiming a dependent if they are on Medicaid- by claiming them on your tax return you are saying that you are providing more than half of their support, and this may affect their qualification. The credit for other dependents is only $500.

You cannot be forced to pay their healthcare, but having the Medicaid is better than worrying about the costs.

You would have to check with your state, but providing housing usually does not affect Medicaid availability.

purplestar777Author

Thank you for reply @MAK70

It's more than $500 at stake: If they are my dependent, I'd get to claim Head of Household status VS being "single" filer. HoH provides higher deductible, so it saves thousands of dollars.

But I don't want risk having to repay the cost of medicaid as it would be unaffordable to me.

So, I want to make sure I am compliant.

MAK70

@purplestar777 Yes, I completely understand and am glad that you asked. I wish it was not the case, but the health insurance is so expensive but especially necessary for parents.