Which of the following is NOT a requirement for Medicaid coverage?

Medicaid is a public assistance program that provides healthcare coverage to certain low-income individuals and families. The eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that those who qualify are in need of financial assistance for medical care.

Being a Medicare patient is not a requirement for Medicaid coverage. In fact, many individuals who are eligible for Medicaid may not be enrolled in Medicare, especially those under 65 who are low-income but not disabled or elderly. Additionally, there are specific eligibility categories for Medicaid that include being blind, disabled, or medically indigent — all of which focus on the individual's need for assistance based on their economic status or health conditions.

Therefore, the importance of the correct answer lies in understanding that while being blind, disabled, or medically indigent can establish eligibility for Medicaid, simply being a Medicare patient does not inherently qualify an individual for Medicaid benefits. This distinction is crucial as it emphasizes the separate nature of these two programs, which, while related, cater to different populations and have different eligibility criteria.