Medicaid Doctors

Medicaid is a type of insurance for those that have a very low income. The program is federally funded and then independently operated by each state. One of the biggest problems with Medicaid though is finding a doctor that will accept it. Many individuals are quite frustrated to find out they are eligible for Medicaid yet they can’t find a provider that accepts it in their area.

Some individuals are traveling 60 or more miles in order to find a Medicaid doctor. If this is the case the individual is often eligible for reimbursement for the cost of gas to get to these appointments. There is a set amount that is paid per mile for the trip to the doctor’s office. You must have this type of reimbursement pre-approved though before you travel. Should there be a Medicaid doctor in your area available but you choose to ravel to see someone else you will be responsible for the cost of the travel on your own.

If you are struggling to find a Medicaid doctor in your area, contact your local department of human services. They should be able to provide you with a current list of providers. You will need to take some time to make some phone calls to find out who is accepting new patients with Medicaid coverage. If you aren’t having any luck make sure you report that information to your local legislator. That way they can be aware of the problem and work to resolve it.

Many local agencies including human services continue to contact doctors in the area. They try to encourage them to look at accepting patients with Medicaid. They also work hard to ensure that every single doctor that does accept Medicaid is offering quality services to their patients. Just because a person isn’t able to pay for the medical care out of their own pocket, they shouldn’t be denied the very best of care.

Should you have any problems with a doctor that is accepting Medicaid you need to report it. Too many people are afraid to do so as they worry about being able to find another provider. If you find your bills for Medicaid aren’t correct you also need to report this. There have been many cases of Medicaid fraud that have been uncovered this way.