Medicaid is a government-funded healthcare program for people with very low incomes or disabilities. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, and states have broad discretion on how to implement the program, which means eligibility for Medicaid varies widely from state to state.
Medicaid is often confused with Medicare, the federal healthcare program for the elderly, but they are two distinct programs. However, there is some overlap between them, with some people being eligible for both. These recipients are described as being “dual eligible.”
The History of Medicaid
Medicaid was introduced as part of the Social Security Act (SSA) of 1965. Originally, the law offered states the option of receiving federal funding to provide healthcare coverage to children of families with low income and their caregiver relatives, along with those who are blind or disabled.
Over time, the federal government has changed the scope of Medicaid and strengthened the requirements for Medicaid programs.
Who is Covered Under Medicaid?
Medicaid now serves the following groups of people:
States can also opt to expand eligibility to other groups of people as they see fit. For example, under the Affordable Care Act, states now have the option to expand eligibility to adults with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.
What is CHIP?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost healthcare coverage to children of families with incomes higher than Medicaid’s eligibility threshold. Each state offers CHIP in conjunction with the state’s Medicaid program.
Routine wellness visits are free under CHIP, but other services may require a copayment. Some states require a monthly premium for CHIP coverage, but this can’t be more than five percent of the family’s annual income.
In some states, CHIP also covers pregnant women who need healthcare coverage.
How TempDev Can Help You Work With Medicaid
TempDev's team of NextGen consultants, developers, and trainers support your needs whether you're looking to implement, switch, or even upgrade your current EHR and practice management system. From dashboards and revenue cycle consulting to automation and workflow redesign, TempDev offers the tools you need to make the most of your NextGen system, with top tips and tricks that will ensure your success now and in the future.
You can better support your patients' needs with TempDev's NextGen dashboards, templates, and reports. Our team is here to help you design, organize, and implement the whole system. We offer the tips you need to achieve the best practices for your organization. With hands-on training, you and your team are ready to handle all your electronic health record systems.
Contact us here or by calling us at 888.TEMP.DEV to get the help you need to work with Medicaid.
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