Medicaid is an invaluable social safety net that helps countless individuals and families throughout the United States. Finding affordable care in a profit-based healthcare system is next to impossible for many low-income individuals, which is why Medicaid is so essential. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Medicaid is not a magical end-all solution to high medical bills. Not all healthcare providers accept Medicaid, and accidentally seeking treatment at one that doesn’t is liable to prove costly. With this in mind, consider the following factors before making an appointment at a hospital or private healthcare facility.
1. Do They Accept Medicaid?
As previously stated, not all healthcare facilities accept Medicaid. Unfortunately, many first-time Medicaid recipients are unaware of this fact and inadvertently rack up hefty medical bills as a result. To ensure that you’re not hit with any unexpected bills, visit the website of any healthcare facility at which you wish to be treated. More often than not, these sites feature comprehensive lists of payment options. Even if you don’t see Medicaid listed, it might be a good idea to give the place a call in order to get a definitive answer. New Jersey residents looking for Medicaid-compliant medical imaging would be wise to visit http://middletownimaging.com/.
2. Do They Accept Your Medicaid H.M.O.?
Most states require Medicaid recipients to choose an H.M.O. If you don’t choose one within a specified timeframe, your state will generally select one for you, so if healthcare is important to you, it behooves you to do a little research and make the choice yourself. It’s also important to keep in mind that just because a certain facility accepts Medicaid doesn’t mean it accepts your H.M.O. As such, take care to visit your H.M.O.s website and peruse the list of which physicians and hospitals you can visit in your state.
3. Is the Treatment You Need Covered
The fact that a certain facility accepts your Medicaid H.M.O. doesn’t necessarily mean that the type of procedure you need is covered. To prevent yourself from being faced with any unpleasant surprises, give your H.M.O. a call prior to booking a procedure to make sure that you’re covered. If a certain procedure is deemed necessary, your physician may make this call for you.
Without Medicaid, many families wouldn’t have access to healthcare. However, while this program helps alleviate exorbitant medical costs, it doesn’t always wipe them out entirely. For this reason, it’s important that Medicaid recipients be extra-vigilant when selecting treatment facilities.