Medicaid Helps Many, but Do You Know What it Offers?

Medicaid was started in 1965 after Congress passed Tittle 19 of the Social Security Act. Tittle 19 states every state must administer a medical assistance program for people whose income below the federal poverty line. The federal government oversees all activities of each states' program. You may have Medicaid or know someone who does. The pamphlets may confuse you on your benefits and your state's obligations. Here is a breakdown to better understand your health insurance program.

The United States of America government sets broad federal guidelines for every state. They are as follows:

• Each state makes up their own eligibility standards
• They determine the type, amount, duration, and extent of services.
• Each state manages it's own program.

Those are your states' responsibilities to Medicaid.

You are now better aware of how they run this social service program. The most important part is to find out what services are paid for under Medicaid. Mandatory Service and Optional Services are how services provided by your health institutions are broken down into. Mandatory Services are what each state must provide in order to receive money from the federal government to fund Medicaid.

Optional Services are services that the states can give to receive more federal funds but are not penalized for not making them available to citizens of their state. Mandatory and Optional Services are designated as:

Mandatory Services

• Inpatient hospital services
• Outpatient hospital services
• Physician services
• Nursing Facility (NF) services for individual aged 21 or older.
• Home health care for people eligible for skilled nursing services.
• Family planning services and supplies.
• Prenatal care
• Vaccines for children
• Rural Health clinic services
• Laboratory and Xray services
• Pediatric and Family Nurse Practitioner services
• Federally qualified health center(FQHC) and ambulatory services offered by an FQHC
• Nurse midwife services(to the extent authorized by state law)
• Early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment (EPSDT) services for individuals under age 21.

Optional Services

• Diagnostic Services(to find out what is ailing you when you become sick)
• Clinic Services
• Nursing Facility services for children under age 21
• Intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded(for example half-way house for the mentally retarded)
• Home and community-based care to certain people with chronic ailments
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy services
• Optometrist services and eyeglasses
• Prosthetic devices
• Dental services
• Transportation services

Medicaid helps a lot of people to gain access to proper healthcare. It helps people living below the poverty line have one less thing to worry about. Despite the long lines and the endless paper the need for it is there. Knowing exactly what is covered can save you from those endless searches through your Medicaid handbook. It can help you discuss your benefits with your doctor and Medicaid representative more efficiently.