<p>@3younguns @kgos16 yes! that is my exact concern</p>
<p>When a family files for medicaid, all family member’s SSN are listed. The state can run an income report on any or all of them. How they include the assets of the children is up to the state, as the state sets the qualifications.</p>
<p>Are you sure YOU will still qualify for medicaid once you turn 18/finish high school? It may depend on which state you live in and whether that state has extended medicaid benefits to adults without dependents. You may have to file for your own benefits, thus for medicaid purposes you will be a household of one, and your income will not be included with your family for THIS purpose. For the FAFSA, you need to report it as your income. </p>
<p>The IRS already knows you earned this money. You have an obligation to report it to the state medicaid office if they require all family income to be reported. That’s the law. Failing to claim your refund from the IRS is not going to make it ‘not income.’ It’s income. </p>
<p>I think this link is a valid source for Medicaid eligibility. Page 10 says child income is included in household income if the child is required to file a return. Key is how literally the word required is interpreted. From what you posted you’re not required to file a return. Voluntarily filing to get your withholding back may not count. Page 12 says child is defined as under 19, but states can choose to include 19 and 20 year olds if full-time students.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.medicaid.gov/State-Resource-Center/Downloads/3-29-12-Eligibility-Webinar-Slides.pdf”>http://www.medicaid.gov/State-Resource-Center/Downloads/3-29-12-Eligibility-Webinar-Slides.pdf</a></p>
<p>Twoinanddone seems to have knowledge of how this works but you probably should check with your state’s Medicaid authority to be sure. You may be foregoing getting your withholding back for no reason. I wouldn’t advise trying to hide anything.</p>