It’s always a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist whether Medicaid covers the specific service or item you need. There are some limits to these services, and some may require you or your doctor to get permission first. (This is called prior approval.) Following are basic Medicaid services. Additional services are offered by each of the waiver programs. Your caseworker can provide more information about other available services.
In general, Medicaid covers these services:
- Doctors’ and nurses’ office visits (when you visit a doctor or nurse for check-ups, lab tests, exams or treatment)
- Prescription drugs
- Inpatient hospital services (room and board, drugs, lab tests and other services when you have to stay in the hospital)
- Outpatient hospital services (services you receive in a hospital, even though you do not stay in the hospital overnight)
- Nursing facilities (nursing homes) ν Emergency ambulance services
Medicaid Waiver Programs in Georgia
- Non-emergency transportation (to get to and from medical appointments if you don’t have any other means of transportation)
- Medical equipment and supplies prescribed by a doctor for use in your home (such as wheel chairs, crutches or walkers)
- Home health services ordered by a doctor and received in your home (such as part-time nursing, physical therapy or home health aides)
- Hospice care services provided by a Medicaid hospice provider
Some other services covered by Medicaid include:
- Case management ν Diagnostic, screening and preventive services
- Laboratory services V Behavioral or community mental health services
- Orthotics and prosthetics (artificial limbs and replacement devices)
- Podiatry services
- Therapy services (physical, occupational and speech) ν County Public Health Departments
- Dialysis and services for end-stage renal (kidney) disease
HOME AND COMMUNITY SERVICES: WHAT’S NOT COVERED?
Some services are not usually covered by Medicaid. These include: private duty nursing, services given by a relative or member of your household, cosmetic surgery, disposables (such as adult diapers or bandages), experimental items and chiropractic services among others. If you’re not sure what Medicaid covers, ask your provider or call
