Mississippi Medicaid coverage is an important way for eligible low-income families to find affordable health care options. Most new applicants are often curious about what services are covered by Medicaid and any out-of-pocket expenses involved. Understanding how much does Medicaid cost Mississippi enrollees involves learning about the types of Medicaid insurance benefits available to applicants. Mississippi Medicaid cost estimates remain low since the program is for low-income claimants. There are different costs for MS Medicaid coverage involving copayments, deductibles and premiums. Since the program is funded on both a federal and state level, petitioner must meet federal and/or state prerequisites for Medicaid enrollment. These requirements can influence which type of Medicaid coverage the petitioner qualifies for as well as the fees associated with coverage. To find out more regarding Medicaid coverage in Mississippi including learning what does Medicaid not cover for approved applicants, continue reviewing the information below.
What services are covered by Medicaid in Mississippi?
Individuals approved for MS Medicaid coverage will be open to receiving various medical treatments and services at little to no cost. Claimants should know the services covered by Medicaid that are federally mandated as well as the additional Medicaid services that Mississippi elected to cover. Each state has the option to expand Medicaid coverage, which is why residents of Mississippi should know what health care services are available. Medicaid benefit coverages are intended to include the medically necessary services and treatments for applicants to maintain healthy, happy lives. A few of the basic services covered by Mississippi Medicaid include but are not limited to:
- Doctor’s office visits
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Emergency transportation services
- Dialysis and radiology services
- Private nursing duty and long-term care
If applicants have questions regarding their Medicaid coverage benefits, they can speak to their Medicaid provider for further information. The services covered by Medicaid in MS can have stipulations or exceptions, so it is worth finding out as much applicable knowledge as possible. For instance, an in-network Medicaid physician can request additional health care services to be covered upon approval.
Learn more about the health care services of Medicaid in our free guide.
What services are not covered by Medicaid in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a list of services covered by Medicaid that is helpful to beneficiaries estimating medical costs. Knowing what MS Medicaid does not cover will help prevent financial surprises when pursuing health care services. Medicaid covers services that are medically. If an enrollee elects a service, Medicaid will not cover the fees associated. An easy way to rule out most Medicaid treatments not covered is by determining if the doctor or physician is a Medicaid provider. If not, then the services rendered by an out-of-network professional are generally not covered. Services that Medicaid does not cover in Mississippi include but are not limited to:
- Cosmetic surgeries and services
- Experimental services and treatments
- Elective abortive services and infertility treatments
- Medical equipment not deemed necessary
- Dental services like teeth whitening
- Acupuncture
It is important to note, Medicaid coverages can change depending on an applicant’s Medicaid eligibility along with the medical treatment or service necessary. Doctors and medical professionals have the option to request prior approval from Medicaid for services not covered if they find the service to be necessary for an applicant’s life. This prior authorization can be made on behalf of an applicant and can potentially become low cost or no cost for an approved applicant.
How much does Medicaid cost in Mississippi?
Determining how much is Medicaid for an applicant in Mississippi involves looking at his or her eligibility. Medicaid coverage in Mississippi can range from being free of charge to having minimal copayments attached. Some Medicaid benefits that are covered can have small fees necessary to be paid out-of-pocket by the applicant. Different types of Medicaid insurance eligibility can yield different results in terms of copayments, so it is important to know in advance what to expect since Medicaid patients are responsible for uncovered costs. Copayments are due for Medicaid services rendered at the time of treatment, and doctors do have the ability to deny service to any applicant unwilling to pay the attached fees.
There are medical services covered by Medicaid that do not have any copayments attached. Family planning, emergency services in an emergency room and annual physical exams will not carry copayment charges. In addition, Medicaid coverages for pregnant women, children younger than 18 years of age and individuals in a nursing home or senior facility will not be required to pay copayments either.
After applying for Medicaid coverage and receiving approval from the state, beneficiaries will be provided with a comprehensive list of services covered through Medicaid as well as the breakdown of costs per service. The majority of costs for Medicaid services are nominal. However, it is always important for applicants to understand in advance what to expect from the Medicaid coverage eligibility options that are applicable to their condition or circumstance.
Get comprehensive information about Medicaid requirements by downloading our free guide.