What are the benefits of Medicaid

Medicaid is a state health care program for those whose incomes or circumstances prevent them from being able to cover their own health insurance.

Conditions of receiving Medicaid

In order to be a valid candidate for the Medicaid health program there are certain conditions that one has to fulfill. Target groups for Medicaid health care program include children, mothers-to-be with children, people with dependent children people older than 65 and the disabled whose incomes are estimated to be lower than the poverty levels which are determined by the federal law. Some additional conditions depends on each state individually as some have more strict regulations than others. Naturally, the occasional mistakes in judgment are possible and one can appeal the eligibility determination if all the conditions are fulfilled but Medicaid has been denied for some reason.

How to apply for Medicaid?

The application for Medicaid is submitted at a local government office which passes it on to its final destination. The application process may be time-consuming as it might even last up to 45 days, with the exception of the application for the disabled whose process is prolonged to 90 days. What’s important to remember is to make sure that the entire documentation which is required along with the application form is necessary, as the lack of some of the documents is the most frequent reason for a denied application. If there is any confusion whatsoever the local government office is always at everyone’s disposal for consultation as well as to clear any potential doubt.

The service provided by Medicaid

There are some common services that are available for all the eligible recipients of Medicaid. Some of these include hospital stay, when the patient requires it, or any kinds of examinations performed in clinics or doctors’ offices, surgical and dental procedures, admittance to a nursing home and home health care for the persons in it, Planned Parenthood services and equipment, access to a nurse or midwife when required, as well as access to laboratories and X-rays. Certain states may provide prescription drugs, prosthetic devices, and dental insurance and help for the mentally retarded to an extent.

Overall, Medicaid offers extensive benefits to the underprivileged, helping them manage the expenses of the basic but mandatory health treatments, delivering the money directly to the health care providers. The good thing is that the government has not set a limit to the total amount of money invested in Medicaid, and is required to support any candidate who fulfills all the conditions that the program entails.