Final answer:
The process by which an individual becomes eligible for Medicaid by incurring medical expenses until personal resources fall below a specified ceiling is called spend-down.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which an individual becomes eligible for Medicaid by incurring medical expenses until personal resources fall below a specified ceiling is called spend-down.
Medicaid is a federal-state joint program that provides medical insurance for certain low-income individuals, including low-income families with children, low-income elderly, and people with disabilities. The program requires beneficiaries to demonstrate that they fall within a particular income category to be eligible. The spend-down process involves accumulating medical expenses to meet the income threshold for Medicaid eligibility.
For example, if the spend-down amount is $2,000 and an individual has incurred medical expenses amounting to $2,500, they would become eligible for Medicaid once their personal resources fall below the $2,000 specified ceiling.