UPDATE: For 2020, no significant changes were made to Medicaid.

If you are unemployed or do not earn enough money to afford healthcare in Alaska, discover what services are covered by Medicaid, as you may be eligible for free healthcare. The types of Medicaid insurance include traditional Medicaid and Denali KidCare, which is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Medicaid coverage. Alaska Medicaid coverage can also be administered if you are disabled, blind, elderly or a pregnant woman residing in the state.

“What services are covered by Medicaid?” and “What does Medicaid not cover?” are two questions commonly asked by applicants. An applicant who meets the criteria will not be provided with the same level of Medicaid coverage, or pay the same premiums as another eligible recipient. Those who ask “How much does Medicaid cost?” must understand that the cost of coverage varies based on the individual’s unique situation.

How much is Medicaid funded by the state and government? Contribution from the state or county in which someone applies for Medicaid coverage varies, and it should be noted that applicants who are most needy are considered more of a priority for certain types of Medicaid insurance.

Nonetheless, obtaining adequate AK Medicaid coverage is highly attainable if the applicant is well-versed on the topic of Medicaid cost estimates. Learn more about the application process for Medicaid coverage in Alaska, eligibility requirements and what is not covered by Medicaid:

• Who Can Receive Medicaid Coverage in Alaska?
• What is Covered Under Medicaid in Alaska?
• What Does Medicaid Not Cover in Alaska?
• Medicaid Costs in Alaska
• Can I Spend-Down to Gain Alaska Medicaid Coverage?

Who Can Receive Medicaid Coverage in Alaska?

As of September 1, 2015, AK Medicaid coverage was made available to adults living in Alaska who have a combined family income up to, but not in excess of, 138 percent of the federal poverty (FPL). If you are unsure as to whether your income qualifies you for types of Medicaid insurance, refer to a pre-screening tool.

Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for some types of Medicaid insurance if their family’s combined income is up to, but not in excess of, 203 percent of FPL. Pregnant women who have a family income up to, but no more than 200 percent of the FPL are also eligible for Alaska Medicaid coverage.

The applicant must be a legal resident of the United States, as well as Alaska, to be told how much he or she will have to spend based on Medicaid cost estimates.

What is Covered Under Medicaid in Alaska?

Medicaid coverage in Alaska includes treatment from a physician and nurse practitioner, surgery that is medically necessary and ordered by a physician that takes place in an outpatient surgery center or hospital, emergency care Medicaid coverage, cervical cancer and breast cancer checkups, as well as community behavioral health, including treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Medicaid coverage also includes home health and personal care services prescribed by a physician or advanced nurse practitioner. These Medicaid services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, audiology services, speech-language pathology, intermittent or part-time nursing services, personal care services, hospice care, and lab work and x-rays.

Moreover, Medicaid extends to screening services, clinic services, rehabilitation services, long-term care facilities, dialysis/end-stage renal disease and certain medical supplies and equipment. Overall, Medicaid cost estimates for these things depend on factors like income and household size.

What services are covered by Alaska Medicaid, in addition to the above? The program pays for family planning services including supplies related to birth control. Hearing services, items and repair. Alaska Medicaid coverage for adults now covers $1,150 worth of dental care. However, this money is only to be used for preventive dental care like cleanings and dental exams.

Money for these types of Medicaid insurance benefits is available to Alaska residents age 21 and older who are Medicaid beneficiaries. The adult dental Medicaid financing also extends to cover the cost of fillings, dentures and root canals.

Children who qualify for Alaska Medicaid receive preventive care including immunizations, child exams and health screenings. Children under the age of 21 who are at a heightened risk for malnutrition can receive nutrition services under Alaska Medicaid coverage.

Chiropractic care is limited to coinsurance and deductible amounts for those who are also enrolled in Medicare and over the age of 21. Children under the age of 21 are eligible for chiropractic services, yet AK Medicaid coverage of this kind is limited to a single chiropractic x-ray exam and a dozen spinal manipulations per the calendar year.

What Does Medicaid Not Cover in Alaska?

Although the list of things that are not covered under Alaska Medicaid is not as long as the list of things the program does cover, it is still important to learn what is not included under Medicaid cost estimates in AK. Alaska Medicaid services do not cover the cost of medical care provided by a family member, surgery to boost one’s personal aesthetic, private duty nursing or medical experimental items.

On the other hand, those who are older than 21 years of age and not enrolled in Medicare will not be able to receive no-cost chiropractic care.

Medicaid Costs in Alaska

Have you asked, “How much is Medicaid in Alaska?” Medicaid is a no-cost healthcare service provided to residents of Alaska. Since these members are low-income or have no income at all, they are not charged for the medical services and medical equipment provided through AK Medicaid coverage. Not every service received will be paid by Medicaid, however.

Of course, Medicaid costs are affected by a number of factors, such as how big an applicant’s household is, and how much he or she earns on an annual basis. Cost-sharing, premiums and AK Medicaid cost estimates are dependent on individual circumstances. While Medicaid is the primary payer, enrollees will not be granted complete coverage if the amount of total assets owned by an applicant exceeds $2,000.

Can I Spend-Down to Gain Alaska Medicaid Coverage?

When a Medicaid services applicant owns over $2,000 worth of countable assets, such as money market accounts, certificates of deposit, checking accounts, savings accounts and life insurance policies, he or she will be encouraged to “spend-down” for Medicaid coverage in Alaska. The process of spending down will enable the applicant who was formerly unqualified for Medicaid to qualify for Alaska Medicaid coverage, so long as the total monetary amount of excess assets is spent on medical bills before Medicaid kicks in.

Many people wonder whether or not their children’s savings bonds, checking accounts and certificates of deposit count towards assets when they estimate Medicaid costs. These accounts do count when applying for Medicaid, so take this into account when assessing coverage and costs for Medicaid services in Alaska.