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Learn About Medicaid Costs and Coverage in Alaska

“How much is Medicaid in Alaska and what medical services does the program cover?” is a common question for new or potential applicants. Once an applicant learns about Medicaid cost estimates and covered services of the program, he or she will be better prepared for the application process and using benefits. The cost of Medicaid coverage varies, along with the types of Medicaid insurance that will be available to each applicant. It is important for prospective petitioners to know what does Medicaid not cover in Alaska, so that they can prepare to use their benefits accordingly. Additionally, many applicants incorrectly assume that having Medicaid coverage means there will be no out-of-pocket expenses. However, this is not always the case. Many Medicaid beneficiaries may need to pay copayments for services. For this reason, understanding what services are covered by Medicaid and what services are not covered is extremely important. To answer the question “How much does Medicaid cost in Alaska?” and learn more about Medicaid covered services, continue reading below.

What services are covered by Medicaid in Alaska?

There are a variety of Medicaid services in Alaska that are covered under the program, with optional benefits provided as well. It is worth noting that mandatory Medicaid covered services may still require copays in order for recipients to receive certain services. The types of services covered by Medicaid in AK can also be dependent on the applicant’s Medicaid eligibility level and the Medicaid insurance options available to them. The types of Medicaid services covered in Alaska include but are not limited to:

  • Physician services.
  • Immunizations for children.
  • Medically necessary surgery ordered by a physician.
  • Mammograms or breast X-rays ordered by a health care provider.
  • Adult emergency dental services.

For more information about Medicaid coverage options, you can download our free guide today.

What does Medicaid not cover in Alaska?

Finding out what Medicaid does not cover in Alaska can sometimes become a determining factor in whether or not an applicant will apply for coverage. Specific services not covered by Medicaid usually fall under the same category, and are not as critical when compared to the mandatory Medicaid coverage services. While Medicaid coverage options tend to span a variety of services, there are some services that are not covered by Medicaid. Types of services that are not covered by Medicaid in AK may include:

  • More than one optometrist visit for adults within the year.
  • Services not deemed medically necessary.
  • Cosmetic services.
  • Chiropractic services for adults without Medicare coverage.
  • Any treatment or service for a beneficiary who is found ineligible for Medicaid coverage.

To learn more about services not covered by Medicaid, download our free Medicaid guide.

How much does Medicaid cost in Alaska?

The reason why Medicaid coverage in Alaska is a sought after form of affordable health insurance is due to the fact that the costs for a recipient are minimal. Oftentimes, the cost for Medicaid services is even non-existent. Costs will depend on the types of Medicaid insurance an applicant receives, along with the services he or she requires. It is worth understanding the general AK Medicaid costs for certain services, especially those that will be most frequently used. For instance, understanding the costs for emergency services and whether or not any copayments will be necessary can help prevent any problems if a situation should arise.

Medicaid covered services in Alaska are set in place to help those who are most in need. This is why copayments may fluctuate for the types of Medicaid insurance options offered. After applying for Medicaid and getting accepted into the program, each petitioner will receive notice upon approval for Medicaid of their copayment amount that will need to be paid for specific services. Providers will not be allowed to charge any extra amount for services rendered, unless additional services were included that do not fall under the Medicaid coverage umbrella. Copayment amounts may fluctuate depending on certain factors, such as federal funding or the type of Medicaid coverage an applicant has been allotted.

There are certain circumstances in which Alaska Medicaid costs will be waived entirely, and petitioners will become exempt from even paying copayments. For example, copayments for AK Medicaid covered services are not required for children younger than 18 years of age, pregnant women and nursing home residents, even if copayments are mandatory for others to receive the same services.