Medicaid Benefits for Seniors

Medicaid is available to senior citizens in the United States if they meet low-income and other eligibility requirements as outlined by federal and state law. Seniors wishing to gain Medicaid benefits must be U.S. citizens or legal immigrants and also meet certain financial and health requirements. Medicaid does not pay money directly to seniors, but to their health care providers. Each state administers its own Medicaid program and determines the eligibility of various health care services and defines them broadly as acute care and long-term care.

Institutional and Clinical Services

• Institutional and clinical services cover a variety of medical procedures for seniors. These can include in- and out-patient services at hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers.

Practitioner Services

• Under this benefit category, coverage includes medical services for certain types of medical practitioner, depending on the state in which the senior Medicaid holder resides. Practitioner coverage can include doctors, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists and psychologists.

Physical Therapy Services

• Physical therapy, occupational therapy and services for speech, hearing and language disorders are covered in many states under Medicaid provisions. All services must be pre-approved.

Medical Products and Equipment

• Health-related products and devices such as dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids, essential medical equipment and supplies, prosthetic and orthotic items, and other major medical equipment such as a wheelchair or motorized chair may be covered by Medicaid. In addition, personal health needs such as diabetes testing supplies and incontinence aids will often be covered or supplied directly through a Medicaid provider.

Transportation Services

• Ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation services such as taxis to and from medical appointments may be covered, depending upon the state.

Other Health-Related Services

• Diagnostic screening and preventive services such as Well Woman examinations and screening for prostate cancer in men will usually be covered. Regular check-ups of a preventive nature are also covered at least once a year. In addition, laboratory and X-ray services outside of a hospital or doctor's office are usually covered. Seniors receiving Medicaid may have to go to a specified Medicaid-approved lab for such services.

Long Term Care

• Long term care provision approved by Medicaid in each state can include community-based care, home health and home nursing services, private-duty nurses and hospice care. Institutional care-approved expenses approved by Medicaid included hospitalization, hospice care, assisted living or nursing home accommodation and in-patient psychiatric services.

Pharmacy Benefits

• Prescription drug coverage usually covers a 30-day supply of a generic drug whenever possible. Brand-name drugs may be subject to a co-pay on the part of the senior registered for Medicaid. Prior approval of the drug is usually required before the prescription can be filled.