ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

Health and Long-Term Care Benefits

Medicaid

If I qualify for Medicaid, what sorts of services do I get?

Medicaid covers a broad spectrum of services. Certain benefits are mandated by federal law. They include:

• inpatient and outpatient hospital services;
• doctors' and nurse practitioners' services;
• inpatient nursing-home care;
• home health-care services; and
• laboratory and X-ray charges.

Other services may include those from podiatrists, optometrists, and chiropractors; mental health services; personal in-home care; dental care; physical therapy and other rehabilitation; dentures; eyeglasses; transportation services; and more. In all cases, you may receive these services only from a Medicaid-participating provider. Providers may choose whether to participate in Medicaid and they must meet certain standards. Some states have contracted with managed care organizations to provide comprehensive care to Medicaid-eligible individuals. In these states, you may be limited to using the designated care provider for regular care. For outpatient prescription drugs, you must enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, although you will be eligible for a no-cost or low-cost plan.