Medicaid

Medicaid is a public health insurance designed for low-income people—as well as for people with disabilities who have limited assets—that is funded by both federal and state money.

Even if you have private insurance, you may still be eligible for Medicaid. Depending upon what state they live in, children with brain injury and cerebral palsy qualify for Medicaid if a certain portion of their parents’ income goes toward their medical care. Injuries that cause a certain level of disability are covered by Medicaid regardless of the parents’ income.

Medicaid rules and regulations vary from state to state, but some treatments and services that Medicaid may cover include medical care, rehabilitation, special equipment and supplies, medical and developmental evaluations, psychological and psychiatric services, and special school services. School services that are part of an Independent Education Plan (IEP) may also be covered.

Parents who wish to apply for Medicaid will have to fill out a “self-determination” form that describes their child’s disability, and should include as many medical records as possible with the application that support the child’s diagnosis. The best time to apply for Medicaid is as soon after your child’s diagnosis as possible.

Medicaid applications are very complex, and parents should expect the review process to take a long time. For more information on Medicaid, contact the U.S. Social Security Association at http://www.ssa.gov/ or contact us for help assessing your child’s eligibility and navigating the process.