Frequently Asked Questions

Medicaid Benefits

Below are some questions people often ask about Medicaid benefits. Click on the questions to see the answers. Help may, also, be available by calling 1-800-362-1504.

Links for Covered Services Handbook, Covered Services Handout and Non-Covered Services are located on this Alabama Medicaid website page: http://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/4.0_Programs/4.1_Covered_Services.aspx.
Medicaid recipients may be asked to pay a small part of the cost (copayment) of some medical services they receive. Medicaid pays the rest. Providers cannot charge any additional amount other than the copayment for Medicaid-covered services. Copayments range from $1.30 to $3.90 for each visit, and between 65 cents and $3.90 for prescription drugs and medical supplies and appliances. When a Medicaid recipient is admitted to the hospital, the copayment is $50. Some services do not require a copayment, including birth control services, case management, chemotherapy, emergencies, home health care services, mental health and substance abuse treatment services, outpatient physical therapy, radiation treatment, and kidney dialysis, among others. Copayments are not required if the recipient is in a nursing home, under age 18, pregnant or a Native American Indian with an active user letter from the Indian Health Services (IHS).
You can search for a provider/doctor by using the Provider Directory. The Provider Directory can be found on the Medicaid website at https://medicaid.alabama.gov/. There is a Provider Directory link on the top of that page.
Some providers who practice within 30 miles of the Alabama border may enroll to provide care to Medicaid recipients. Services may be provided out of state in the case of an emergency and when it would be hazardous to have the patient travel back to Alabama for treatment. Any out-of-state provider must agree to enroll with Alabama Medicaid, accept Medicaid payment and agree to file a claim for services.
You can see any OB/GYN that is actively participating with the Alabama Coordinated Health Network (ACHN) AND will accept your Medicaid. Be sure to contact the ACHN for your county as soon as possible to start your care. There is a list on Medicaid's website under ACHN> ACHN Recipient> ACHN Contacts for Recipients and Interactive Map.
You may see any enrolled primary care doctor who agrees to accept your Medicaid. The doctor must also be enrolled with Alabama Medicaid and agree to file a claim to Medicaid.
You can search for a dentist for a child by using the Provider Directory. The Provider Directory can be found on the Medicaid website at https://medicaid.alabama.gov/. There is a Provider Directory link on the top of that page.
Alabama Medicaid does not cover orthodontics (braces) except under certain conditions. Services must be received through Children’s Rehabilitation Services (CRS) or another qualified clinic enrolled as a contract vendor with Alabama Medicaid. More information can be found on the following Alabama Medicaid website link:http://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/4.0_Programs/4.2_Medical_Services/4.2.2_Dental.aspx.
Office visits are limited to 14 visits per calendar year. Recipients are encouraged to plan their visits carefully. The only exception would be an EPSDT-screened child under the age of 21 who qualifies for extra Medicaid benefits. If additional care is needed, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other public clinics may be able to help. More information can be found at the following Alabama Medicaid website link: http://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/4.0_Programs/4.4_Medical_Facilities/4.4.3_FQHCs.aspx.
That is possible. You should check with your provider to find out.
Alabama Medicaid pays for emergency and non-emergency outpatient hospital visits when medically necessary. There are no limits on outpatient hospital visits for lab work, x-ray services, radiation treatment, or chemotherapy. Alabama Medicaid, also, pays for three outpatient surgical procedures per calendar year if the surgeries are done in a place called an Ambulatory Surgical Center.
Yes. Alabama Medicaid does cover these checkups for children which includes a complete exam to see if a child is growing properly and to check for eye and ear problems, sugar diabetes, low blood or sickle cell disease, stomach problems, and to see if additional tests or shots are needed. More information is available at the following Alabama Medicaid website link: http://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/4.0_Programs/4.2_Medical_Services/4.2.3_EPSDT.aspx.
Yes. Alabama Medicaid pays for eye exams and eyeglasses once every two calendar years for adults (21 and older) and one exam per calendar year with two pairs of glasses per calendar year if indicated by an examination for children under age 21. Contact lenses may be provided only under certain conditions and when approved ahead of time.
Yes. As long as the psychiatrist is a Medicaid provider, the visit will be covered. A primary medical provider referral is not necessary.
Yes. However, chiropractors are covered only for certain Medicare patients (QMB-Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)or children referred as a result of an EPSDT screening.
Yes. However, Alabama Medicaid covers this type of "bariatric" surgery for Medicaid-eligible recipients between 18 and 64 years of age who meet certain medical criteria. There are very specific prior authorization requirements needed ahead of time. Surgery for recipients who are under 18 years old, and who have one or more immediate life-threatening co-morbidities, will be considered for authorization on a case-by-case basis. Please, discuss the possibility of lap band surgery and the steps needed with your doctor. This type of surgery for cosmetic purposes-only is not covered.
Alabama Medicaid does not pay for cosmetic surgery or procedures. However, there may be coverage for eligible recipients if a procedure is found to be medically-necessary. These cases would require approval ahead of time (prior authorization).
Doctors enrolled with Alabama Medicaid agree to accept Medicaid's payment, plus, any copayment, as payment in full. So, the doctor or clinic may not charge or bill the recipient for cancelled or missed appointments.
A recipient may be billed for services that are non-covered and for which Medicaid will not make any payment. Services that are more than the set limitation (for example, physician visits, hospital visits, or eyeglasses limit) are considered non-covered services. Alabama Medicaid does not reimburse providers for completing forms for school, family medical leave or other purposes not requested at the time of service. Providers may bill the recipient for this service under certain conditions. Providers are requested to discuss with, and tell recipients before providing services about their responsibilities for payment of services not covered by the Alabama Medicaid program.