Marcus Ellery
Marcus writes about how Medicaid coverage, disability determinations, and waiver program waitlists shift when someone crosses a state line. He focuses on timelines and paperwork sequencing, since waiting periods often matter more than the rules themselves.
Unemployment by StateUnemployment Overpayments: How States Recover Benefits Paid by Mistake
Getting a letter saying you were overpaid unemployment can be alarming, and how aggressively a state pursues that money back varies a lot. Some states offer waivers and payment plans, others garnish wages or…
Medicaid by StateNon-Emergency Medical Transportation: How Medicaid Rides to Appointments Differ by State
Medicaid is required to help you get to covered appointments, but how that ride shows up, a bus pass, a scheduled van, or mileage reimbursement, depends heavily on the state running your plan.
Housing Assistance by StateUtility Allowances and Your Section 8 Rent: How They Vary by State
Two voucher holders with the same income can pay very different amounts out of pocket once utility allowances are factored in. Here's how that calculation shifts from state to state.
Medicaid by StateMedicaid Buy-In for Working Disabled Adults: How Income Limits Differ by State
If you have a disability and want to work without losing Medicaid, some states let you 'buy in' at higher income levels than standard Medicaid allows. The income ceilings and premiums vary widely depending…
Medicaid by StateMedicaid Renewal Rules: How Often You Must Reverify Eligibility by State
Some states check your Medicaid eligibility every twelve months automatically, others require you to submit paperwork yourself, and a few use real-time data checks that can catch you off guard. Here's how renewal cycles…
Housing Assistance by StateEmergency Rental Assistance Programs: Which States Still Have Funds Left
Pandemic-era rental assistance dollars didn't disappear everywhere at the same time. Here's how to tell which states still fund emergency rent help and which have closed their programs.
Medicaid by StatePostpartum Medicaid: How Long New Mothers Stay Covered Depending on Where They Live
A baby doesn't change your Medicaid coverage length the same way in every state. Some new moms keep coverage for a full year after delivery, while others see it end much sooner. Here's how…
Housing Assistance by StateSame Income, Different Voucher: How Fair Market Rent Changes Your Section 8 Benefit by State
Two families with identical incomes can get very different housing voucher amounts depending on local Fair Market Rent. Here's how that number is set and why it matters more than your paycheck.
TANF and Childcare by StateChildcare Subsidy Waitlists: Which States Make Families Wait Longest for Help
Qualifying for a childcare subsidy on paper doesn't mean getting help right away. Some states fund every eligible family immediately, while others keep waitlists open for months or years. Here's how wait times compare.
Medicaid by StateMedicaid Expansion Status by State: Georgia and North Carolina Compared
Georgia's limited expansion and North Carolina's full expansion produce very different eligibility outcomes for the same income.
SNAP by StateSNAP Income Limits for a Family of Four: New York vs. Texas
The federal SNAP income test is similar everywhere, but state deductions can change what a family of four actually qualifies for.
Unemployment by StateWhat Happens to Your Unemployment Claim If You Move to Another State
An existing unemployment claim doesn't transfer automatically, and job-search rules can change the moment you relocate.