OT but what is medicaid?

I am fairly new to this site and I see alot of post about people who talk about medicaid, either that they are not on it or they cannot start if for months and I just don't understand what the point of it is? I am just trying to familiarize myself so I can be of some assistance if the girls need it.
Thanks for any replies!

[Limonada]

I think it's basic medical insurance that they have in the US, and it doesn't coer a lot - just the basics.  But I'm sure one of the Americans can give you a better idea - I'm Canadian, too ;-)

[MrsWoods]

medicaid is a government insurance program offered to low income individuals or pregnant females. there are serveral types:
adult medicaid- covers low income adults, elderly, ect
childrens medicaid- for children of those who are of low income,
family planning- for woman 21 or older and it pays for birthcontrol, 1 pap smear a year, and medications, and regular preapproved visits
pregancy medcaid- covers pregnancy visits, ultra sounds, hospital stay, does not pay for circumsion for boys, -this plan is generally offered to all pregnant mothers

[LosingMyMindInGA]

It's government funded medical insurance for those who aren't offered or can't afford medical insurance either privately or through their employer.  We don't, as of yet, have universal healthcare.  You have to provide your own healthcare insurance.  

If you are at or below certain income thresholds you can qualify for Medicaid through your particular state.  If you qualify they pay most if not all of your medical expenses.  There are different types of medicaid and the programs offered vary from state to state. Here in Georgia we have Right from the Start medicaid which covers children. It's broken down by age groups and the qualifying income threshold is higher for each age group.  We also have Medicaid for Pregnant women...the income threshold on this is much lower to ensure pregnant women are gettign the proper medical care.  There is also Medically Needy Medicaid which would cover someone with a chronic condition such as cancer.  

In some states it's possibly to get medicaid to supplement private insurance which is what I did this time.  I have insurance through DH's work but becuase we have a deductible to meet each year plus a certain percentage that has to be paid out of pocket, I applied for medicaid to cover those expenses for this pregnancy.  

It's all government funded, of course paid for by tax dollars.  

Depending on your states program medicaid may cover only specific things or it may cover EVERYTHING.  Medicaid for children is usually general and covers all types...medical, dental and vision.  

To apply for it you have to provide proof of income (or lack thereof) and you would apply at your local welfare/social services office.  Some states have a time limit for processing the applications, others don't.  Here in Georgia if you are applying for Pregnant or Medically needy Medicaid they have 10 days to process and give you an answer.

As I said the medicaid programs vary from state to state.  Anyone who is interested in applying for the assistance should contact their local social services.  Here in Georgia it's called "Department of Family in Childrens Services" in Virginia it's "Department of Social Services"  If you aren't sure where to call you can look in the white pages under the government listings or call the health department and they can give you the correct number.

Hope this helped :)

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Again the programs vary from state to state.  

I was only full medicaid with my last pregnancy and it DID cover the circumcision for my son.  We also don't have a family planning medicaid here in Georgia

My point is that just becuase one state offeres something or DOESN'T offer something doesn't mean all states are that way.  It's always best to check with your particular states welfare department to see what is offered.

[mom2ariana]

random question, you said you weren't income elligible for medicaid but you applied for it to cover deductibles? how did that work because if i could do that that would significantly help me and DH's situation...deductibles are going to kill us.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I wasn't income eligible for regular medicaid.  Here in Georgia we have Medicaid for pregnant women...the income thresholds are much higher for it.  So with what DH makes I wouldn't have been eligible had I not been pregnant. You should check into the different programs that are offered in AL and see if they have one that would help you.  Some states also offer cheaper insurance that you pay for but it still government subsidized.  You also have to keep in mind that you are now a family of 3. When you were pregnant you were only considered as a family of 2 so the income threshold for you will be higher now that Ariana is actually here and considered a household member.  

I'll do some checking and see what I can find for you.

[mom2ariana]

thats true i didn't think about the family of 3 thing. ill definitely have to look into the income limits because all i looked at originally was the pregnancy program. but don't go to any trouble; and thank you!

[cherylsangel]

So this medicaid covers prescriptions and such as well? Like if you got sick and needed antibiotics, you just flash a card and your prescriptions are free? Does it cover your ER visits and going to the doctor as well? I must sound so foreign but I just flash my health card and I am good to go. I feel really bad for women out there that say they need to go to the ER but can't afford it and such. I see it all the time on this forum where women vent that they can't do things such as go to the doctor, the ER because they can't afford to pay the bill. I don't understand why the U.S doesn't have what we have here in Canada.

[Clysta]

Mine covers everything from any doctor visits, to medicines, to hospital stays. Others may not. The annoying part of it is that you have to apply and it can take eternity to do, and the doctors that do accept medicaid are normally jam packed with people. It can also go back three months and cover any bills you might have gotten if you are pregnant or such. (Or at least that's something that I could do)

[MrsWoods]

I didn't make the comment based on what each state medicaid program did or didn't cover I was providing general knowledge on the subject that was asked. IN MY STATE OF NC THEY DONT PAY FOR CIRCUMCISION AND IS LIMITED. The best way to gain information by state medicaid is to got to that States Social Services Department page and it will list services provided, income restriction as well as allowed household composition it may also have forms available to printed out before hand. Again just is just a answer to a general question not a debate topic.