Who claims dependent w/ Medicaid

[Mamadoestaxes]

My kid is on Medicaid through me (mom).  I am a never married mother who co-parents with dad. Dad is not on Medicaid. I was told I have to claim my kid as a dependent on my taxes since I* had them on Medicaid for the entire year. Is this true?

[MaryK4]

No, you are not REQUIRED to claim your dependents just because they qualify for Medicaid under you- HOWEVER, you have to look at the qualifications for Medicaid and IRS dependents separately and make sure you can meet the qualification for both.  For example, for IRS the person claiming the dependent must provide more than half of the support.  For Medicaid, this support may disqualify the child so you must be careful.