How to Find Doctors Who Accept Medicaid

Medicaid is a health insurance program that helps very low-income individuals and families, including the disabled and people with chronic health problems. Medicaid is jointly funded by both the state and federal government. Eligibility varies by state, but if you qualify for benefits in your state, you still must find a doctor who accepts Medicaid in your area. Some doctors accept Medicaid year-round, while others only accept Medicaid at certain times. Once you find a doctor, set up a consultation to find whether he is the right physician to treat you.

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) online search tool to find a doctor who accepts Medicaid. The CMS website also provides information about Medicaid that can help you understand how your plan works, covered services and the potential benefits and drawbacks of Medicaid.

Medicaid.gov

• Medicaid.gov is the official U.S. government website for the Medicaid program. Using Medicaid.gov can help you find doctors who accept Medicaid in your state, as well as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a program designed for children from households with slightly larger incomes than those receiving Medicaid. The website also provides information about Medicaid and CHIP eligibility, prescription drugs and medical fee waivers.

Department of Health and Human Services

• Check your state’s Department of Health and Human Services website to find primary care physicians, dentists and mental health professionals who accept Medicaid in your area. Your state’s Department of Health and Human Services website can also tell you about changes in your state’s program and eligibility requirements that are specific to your state.

Charitable Clinics

• Charitable clinics help local residents who can’t afford private insurance or out-of-pocket costs. Charitable clinics offer general preventative care and some offer emergency care for more serious health problems. Charitable clinics ask patients to pay what they can based on their income, but many charitable clinics work in conjunction with the Medicaid program and your cost may be reduced. Medicaid acceptance varies by clinic, so you’ll need to ask specifically about Medicaid before visiting.

Referrals

• If you have friends, family or co-workers who have a doctor who accepts Medicaid, ask them for a referral. If you already have a good relationship with a doctor of one type who accepts Medicaid, a general care physician, for example, but need to visit a dentist, ask the doctor for a referral to a trusted dentist who also accepts Medicaid. Most doctors know other health care professionals in the area to whom they can refer patients.