Medicaid is a partnership between the state and federal government
to provide health and long term care coverage for specific categories
of low income people. Its purpose is to improve the health care
for people who might have to go without it due to low income. In
Florida, the Medicaid program was implemented in 1970 to provide
medical services to indigent people. It has since been expanded
to cover children, the disabled, and people over 65. The Agency
for Health Care Administration is responsible for developing and
carrying out Medicaid related policies.
Medicaid in Florida covers a wide variety of health services.
These include inpatient and outpatient hospital expenses, physician
visits, transplants, lab and X-ray services, mental care, home
health care, nursing facility care, and many other medical options.
To find out the full list, you should contact your local Medicaid
office. This office can also tell you which doctors and facilities
in your area are covered by Medicaid.
To be eligible for Medicaid in Florida, an individual must be
over 65, blind, or disabled, and a US citizen. There are also related
programs to cover the uninsured children of low income families.
For an individual to receive Medicaid, countable resources must
total no more than $2000. Individuals in a community living arrangement,
such as an assisted living facility must generally earn less than
$623 per month. This amount is the same as the maximum payment
that can be received from Medicaid per month, per person. An individual
not living in this kind of situation is permitted to make $749
per month, or $1004 per couple. The asset limit is $5000 for an
individual in this case, and $6000 for eligible couples.
People receiving Medicaid coverage in Florida must see a certified
Medicaid provider for the service to be paid for. The provider
then bills Medicaid directly and Medicaid pays the provider. The
provider must accept payment in full, except for previously identified
patient responsibility and deductibles. It is important to find
out in advance if the provider accepts Medicaid coverage. Medicaid
generally is not able to reimburse you for any expenses you incur
at a non-Medicaid provider.
Older people who also receive Medicare benefits can also get Medicaid
coverage. However, Medicaid pays only after benefits from Medicare
have been received. Medicaid in Florida does not generally cover
prescription drugs for people who have Medicare Part A or Part
B. These people should enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
to receive their coverage. Many people are eligible for Medicaid,
but are unaware of this. If you suspect that you might be able
to participate in this program, contact your local Medicaid office
soon. You could begin receiving benefits and have a much easier
time getting medical assistance. Medicaid is a great help to millions
of people throughout America. You could receive assistance from
this program as well.