In which type of states must SSI recipients apply for Medicaid separately?

In 209b states, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are required to apply for Medicaid separately because these states have opted out of the automatic eligibility provision which typically allows SSI recipients to qualify for Medicaid without a separate application. The designation of 209b stems from the Social Security Amendments of 1972, where some states chose to have more restrictive eligibility criteria for Medicaid than what SSI offers.

In contrast, comprehensive states automatically provide Medicaid coverage to SSI recipients without the need for a separate application. Standard states often refer to those that provide Medicaid coverage through the same criteria as SSI, meaning SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid. Thus, understanding these distinctions highlights why individuals in 209b states must go through the additional process of applying for Medicaid separately.