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Medicaid is an “entitlement program” created by the federal
government, but administered by the state, to provide payment for medical
services for low-income citizens. People qualify for Medicaid by meeting
federal income and asset standards and by fitting into a specified eligibility.
Under federal rules, DHSS has authority to limit services as long as
the services provided are adequate in “amount, duration, and scope”
to satisfy the recipient’s medical needs.
Medicaid
began as a program to pay for health care for poor people who were
unable to work. It covered the aged, the blind, the disabled, and
single parent families. Over the years, Medicaid has expanded to cover
more people. For instance, children and pregnant women may qualify
under higher income limits and without asset limits. Families with
unemployed parents may qualify, and families who lose regular Family
Medicaid because a parent returns to work may continue to be covered
for up to one year.
There
have also been changes in the eligibility rules for people who need
the level of care provided in an institution, such as a nursing home.
Now, most Alaskans who need — but cannot afford — this expensive
care may qualify for Medicaid. In addition, recent changes within
the Alaska Medicaid program give some people who need an institutional
level of care the opportunity to stay at home to receive that care.
Please
click here to
go to the Alaska Medicaid Publication page and view the Medicaid pamphlet.
 Click
here
for the 2003 Medical Assistance Income Standards
You must
apply for Medicaid through the Division
of Public Assistance office nearest you.
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