I have been approved to receive SS Disability. In the meantime I receive SSI and therefore have a KY Medical Card, which is temporary.

Once the medical card expires, I understand that there is a provision called Spenddown.

Can you explain in plain english what is required? Do they take into account rent and utilities?

...and do you pay a certain amount to the Medicaid program?

The maze of benefits can be quite confusing. Some benefits and programs vary state to state. It is a good idea to get assistance in finding out what is available to you. You can usually find a someone who is knowledgeable about benefits at your local AIDS Service Organization. If you have trouble locating someone, call the Project Inform hotline at 1-800-822-7422 and ask for the Access Coordinator.

It sounds from your question as though you may be eligible for Medicare, the national insurance program for the elderly and disabled, as well as Medicaid. Often people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can also get Medicare. There are benefits to being enrolled in both programs if you qualify.

In Medicaid, some states offer what is known as a "medically needy" program. This program allows you to subtract your medical expenses from your income before it is considered by Medicaid. You pay Medicaid the difference between your adjusted income and the allowable income level before you access services (this is what is known as "spend down). In some states, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) can help with your Medicaid spend down payment, although I am not aware that Kentucky ADAP covers spend down.

As I mentioned above, it is most helpful to find a benefits specialist or case manager who can assist you with researching what is available to you. Good luck!!