Friday, November 29, 2013

Get Medicaid To Reimburse You For Home Health Care Expenses

Medicaid is a health insurance program that is funded by both the federal government and state governments. It provides financial assistance for health care for the elderly with low incomes, people with disabilities and low-income children who have no monetary assistance from their parents. Medicaid will sometimes pay for all or at least part of home health care expenses. It's a complicated program with a myriad of rules and regulations, but it can help pay medical costs for people with low incomes or special circumstances.


Instructions








1. Call you local area Agency on Aging, which is funded by federal and community money, grants and contributions. Medicaid is administered by the state, so each state has unique rules about benefits for home health care. Officials from this organization can help you determine if you or a loved one qualifies for home health care reimbursement.








2. Request a notice from your state Medicaid office showing you are eligible for Medicaid, the effective date of coverage and the amount of home health care services approved.


3. File for home heath care reimbursement if you qualify. The Agency on Aging will give you the address for your state. Medicaid has a different name in each state. Send the letter by certified mail, so you will have proof it arrived.


4. Include proof of payment for home care, such as canceled checks, receipts and time logs for health care professionals who came to your home.


5. Add a reimbursement form signed by the person asking for financial help. This form is available from your state Medicaid office. Ask if the state office wants you to also include an official reimbursement worksheet.


6. Submit affidavits for any health care provider you paid in cash. The affidavit must be signed by the person who paid the cash and the health provider who received the cash. You may need to sign this in front of a notary public, but check with your state office first.


7. Stay on top of your request. It often takes a long time to get a yes or no on your request. If your reimbursement response is denied or seems below par, you can appeal the decision. Visit your area Agency on Aging for help with this.

Tags: health care, home health, your state, Agency Aging, home health care, state Medicaid