12.7 Medicaid
Medicaid came to fruition under the Social Security Act in 1965. Its purpose is to improve the health of people who might otherwise go without medical care for themselves and their children. Medicaid is different in every state, yet it is the largest program providing medical and health-related services to America's poorest people. Florida implemented the Medicaid program on January 1, 1970 to provide medical services to indigent people. Over the years, the Florida Legislature has authorized Medicaid reimbursement for additional services. A major expansion occurred in 1989 when the U.S. Congress mandated that states provide all Medicaid services allowable under the Social Security Act to children under the age of 21.
http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/Medicaid/flmedicaid.shtml
In Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) develops and carries out policies related to the Medicaid program.
The federal government has established broad national guidelines that provide each state with the ability to:
- establish its own eligibility standards;
- determine the type, amount, duration and scope of services;
- set the rate of payment for services; and
- administer their own programs.
Medicaid covers custodial care or assisted care in a nursing home, provided the individual can prove their inability to pay these expenses.
In order to qualify for Medicaid benefits, the applicant must able to prove they do not have the ability or means to pay for their own medical care. Individuals must also (1) be at least age 65, blind, or disabled, (2) be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, (3) need the type of care that is provided only in a nursing home, and (4) meet certain asset and income tests.
