Medicaid Arkansas is a State and Federally funded program that helps pay for medical services for needy and low-income people. This is different from Medicare, which is a Federal health insurance program for aged and disabled persons. Arkansas Medicaid was established, in part, by Title XIX of the Social Security Act, though Arkansas had established a state funded medical care program prior to the Federal mandate. Medicaid Arkansas is administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Eligibility for Arkansas Medicaid is determined through the State’s county Human Services offices or Social Security offices.

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What Services Does Medicaid Arkansas  Provide?

Arkansas Medicaid provides payment for medically necessary treatments, procedures, and prescriptions. Some Arkansas Medicaid recipients will be able to have their medical bills covered 100%, though most adult recipients will have to pay a portion of the cost for their care. It should be noted that medical providers are not required to accept Arkansas Medicaid as payment, even if they are authorized Medicaid providers. You should always ask the provider if the service or treatment will be billed to Medicaid prior to receiving services. If they will not, you may either pay for the service yourself or find another provider that will bill Medicaid.

Some of the services covered include: Ambulance service (Emergency only), Ambulatory Surgical Center, Child Health Management Services (CHMS), Chiropractor, Dental care, Doctor’s services, Domiciliary care (room and board for out-of-town care), Emergency room services, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Home health services, Hospice care, Hospital care, Immunizations, Lab tests and x-rays, Medical equipment, Medical supplies, Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) Program, Nurse-midwife (certified), Nursing home care, Podiatrist, Pregnancy termination, Prescription drugs, Rural Health Clinic, Targeted Case Management, Therapy (physical, occupational, or speech), Tobacco Cessation Program, Vision care, Well-child care, and Women’s health.

Arkansas Medicaid can be used in conjunction with other medical insurance, including Medicare.

How Do I Apply For Medicaid Arkansas?

You may apply for Arkansas Medicaid at the Department of Human Services (DHS) office in the county where you live. You may have a relative or a friend apply for you if you are unable to go to the office yourself. You must sign an application form and give certain information about yourself and your family. The county office will determine your eligibility.

You can print out an Arkansas Medicaid application from the DHS website at www.arkansas.gov/dhs/dco.

Your application will be evaluated by a trained Eligibility Worker who will investigate the information you provide. It is very important that you provide all requested information and documentation.

You should bring the following information about yourself and your family when you apply for Arkansas Medicaid:

· Birth certificate or other proof of age,

· Paycheck stubs,

· Social Security card,

· Letters or forms from Social Security, SSI, Veteran’s Administration, or other sources that show the amount of your income,

· Insurance policies, including other health insurance policies, and

· Bank books or other papers that show the amount of your assets.

When you apply for Arkansas Medicaid, you will be given an opportunity to select a Primary Care Physician.

What Are My Rights and Responsibilities?

You have a right:

· To be treated fairly, without regard to race, sex, or religion;

· To get information that you can understand;

· To be treated with respect by your doctor;

· To be involved in decisions about your health care or your child’s health care;

· To refuse treatment;

· To see your medical records, and to ask that they be changed if they’re incorrect.

No one should treat you badly just because you use these rights.

If you have a complaint about your health care, you should call the Arkansas Medicaid Complaint Hotline at 1-888-987-1200. Have your Medicaid ID card ready when you call.

You have a responsibility to report any changes that might affect your Medicaid eligibility within 10 calendar days.

You must report if:

· The number of people in your household changes—for instance, if someone moves in or out, has a baby, or dies.

· Your family income changes. (You or someone else gets a job, for example.)

· You move to a new address.

· Anything happens that might affect your eligibility. If you aren’t sure, contact the DHS office in your county or call 1-800-482-8988. It always better to report too much than too little.

Applying for Arkansas Medicaid can be confusing. To receive more free tips, please sign up at the right.