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Medicaid is important. This article will explain why.
Depending on your state, Medicaid covers many medical costs:
Medicaid always pays medical bills last. For example, if your child has both Medicaid and private health insurance, the private insurance company pays first, and Medicaid pays second.
Unlike Social Security or Medicare, Medicaid does not "travel" automatically to other states. For example, if your child moves to a new state, you must cancel Medicaid from the old state and reapply for Medicaid in the new state. Using Medicaid is even challenging if your child travels out of state on vacation.
Medicaid has other limitations. Many doctors do not accept Medicaid because Medicaid pays doctors very little and often very late.
Even though you may have your child’s healthcare covered by insurance, your child may need Medicaid to pay for programs and services, particularly after your child leaves High School.
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), your child has the right to education through whichever comes first: High School graduation or the day before your child turns 22. What happens after your child leaves school? Your child's mandated schooling vanishes.
Are there any post-school programs to help fill the void? Yes: Medicaid can help your child by paying for services, programming, and community residential living. Medicaid “waiver” programs like Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) provide case management, homemaker services, home health aides, respite care, personal care, and adult day care. Medicaid waiver programs fund Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs). In other words, Medicaid is “waiving” the medical requirement to provide other services so people with a disability can remain in their own homes or live in the community. Another Medicaid benefit, for example, is Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with an intellectual disability (ICF/ID), providing comprehensive and individualized health care and rehabilitation services to individuals with a disability.
How does your child become eligible for Medicaid? Qualifying for SSI paves the way. In most states, the application for SSI also serves as the application for Medicaid. In a handful of states, although a person with a disability must file a separate Medicaid application, the eligibility criteria are the same. In another handful of states, the eligibility criteria for SSI and Medicaid are slightly different. Regardless of the state where your child lives, if your child becomes eligible for SSI, it is highly likely that your child will also qualify for Medicaid.
In sum: Do not forget the potential importance of Medicaid. These Medicaid-funded programs for your child may be irreplaceable.
Medicaid is important. This article will explain why.
Depending on your state, Medicaid covers many medical costs:
- Acute care in hospitals;
- In-patient, outpatient, emergency room visits, and testing;
- Medications;
- Durable medical equipment;
- Transportation to meet with a doctor;
- Diapers and bed pads;
- Some dental procedures.
Medicaid always pays medical bills last. For example, if your child has both Medicaid and private health insurance, the private insurance company pays first, and Medicaid pays second.
Unlike Social Security or Medicare, Medicaid does not "travel" automatically to other states. For example, if your child moves to a new state, you must cancel Medicaid from the old state and reapply for Medicaid in the new state. Using Medicaid is even challenging if your child travels out of state on vacation.
Medicaid has other limitations. Many doctors do not accept Medicaid because Medicaid pays doctors very little and often very late.
Even though you may have your child’s healthcare covered by insurance, your child may need Medicaid to pay for programs and services, particularly after your child leaves High School.
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), your child has the right to education through whichever comes first: High School graduation or the day before your child turns 22. What happens after your child leaves school? Your child's mandated schooling vanishes.
Are there any post-school programs to help fill the void? Yes: Medicaid can help your child by paying for services, programming, and community residential living. Medicaid “waiver” programs like Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) provide case management, homemaker services, home health aides, respite care, personal care, and adult day care. Medicaid waiver programs fund Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs). In other words, Medicaid is “waiving” the medical requirement to provide other services so people with a disability can remain in their own homes or live in the community. Another Medicaid benefit, for example, is Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with an intellectual disability (ICF/ID), providing comprehensive and individualized health care and rehabilitation services to individuals with a disability.
How does your child become eligible for Medicaid? Qualifying for SSI paves the way. In most states, the application for SSI also serves as the application for Medicaid. In a handful of states, although a person with a disability must file a separate Medicaid application, the eligibility criteria are the same. In another handful of states, the eligibility criteria for SSI and Medicaid are slightly different. Regardless of the state where your child lives, if your child becomes eligible for SSI, it is highly likely that your child will also qualify for Medicaid.
In sum: Do not forget the potential importance of Medicaid. These Medicaid-funded programs for your child may be irreplaceable.