Will Medicaid Cover Short Term Health Care?

Medicaid pays short term health care expenses for many people that otherwise could not afford medical care. Not all people with low incomes qualify, though; other eligibility criteria apply in most states. Medicaid is a program administered by each state so the rules vary from state to state although federal guidelines apply and all states must provide some services.

Eligibility

• Eligibility criteria for Medicaid vary from state to state. In most states, elderly people, children under the age of 18, pregnant women and the disabled can all qualify. In some states, others can qualify as well with regard to income. Contact the health and human services department in your state to learn the specific criteria you must meet in order to qualify. Sometimes the easiest way to find out if you qualify is to simply fill out an application.

Covered Services

• Medicaid covers a wide range of services although these services may vary slightly from state to state. Medicaid covers short term health care services, such as outpatient treatment and hospitalization for acute conditions, home health care services and prescription drugs to treat short term medical conditions. Medicaid also covers long term health care in many cases.

How Long Can You Receive Medicaid?

• You can receive Medicaid for as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. For instance, if you receive Medicaid due to a disability, you can receive it for as long as you remain disabled, whether that is one year or your entire lifetime. If you receive Medicaid due to pregnancy, you can receive it until you give birth or shortly thereafter. Notify the health and human services department in your county of any changes that could affect your eligibility; failure to report changes can result in legal action taken against you.

Applying for Short Term Coverage

• The application process for short term Medicaid coverage is the same as for long term coverage. Obtain an application from the health and human services office in your county. Provide proof of income and any money you have in the bank or other savings. If you want to apply for Medicaid due to pregnancy, provide documentation from your doctor or midwife to verify pregnancy. If you are applying for Medicaid because of a disability, provide proof of disability from your doctor or a disability award letter from the Social Security Administration. In most states, you must then meet with a caseworker at the health and human services office to go over your paperwork and answer any additional questions.