Your Medicaid Open Enrollment Questions, Answered

As we step into 2024, the landscape of healthcare continues to present us with new opportunities and challenges. One of the most confusing aspects of this journey is understanding how to enroll in Medicaid and how you can get the most out of your benefits.

If you're seeking answers to your questions about this year’s Medicaid open enrollment and are interested in obtaining coverage for incontinence products, you're in the right place. In this article, we’ll answer all of your open enrollment questions and provide you with the simplest path to getting incontinence supplies covered by your plan with Aeroflow Urology.

You can apply for a Medicaid plan:

• Through the official website of the Health Insurance Marketplace by visiting HealthCare.gov and completing an application.
• On your state’s Medicaid website.
• Over the phone by calling the Marketplace Coverage center at 1-800-318-2596.

You may need to have the following documents ready to apply for a Medicaid health insurance plan:

• Birth certificate.
• Passport, drivers license, green card, or another form of proof of residency and US citizenship.
• Proof of household income in the form of paychecks or SSI checks
• Life insurance policies, stock statements.
• Proof of living situation / residence in the form of rent checks or landlord statements.

You should turn in your application before or on your state’s set open enrollment period deadline. 

The income requirements will be based on the state you live in since every Medicaid or Medicaid managed care plan is state-run. 

All other benefits, such as prescription drug coverage and dental services, are optional and your coverage will be dependent on the state you live in and your specific Medicaid plan.

The main differences between these two plans are that Medicare is a federally-run program so Medicare coverage is the same in every state, while Medicaid is run by both the federal government and each state separately, which means coverage can vary state-by-state.

Some people who qualify for Medicare may not qualify for Medicaid and vice-versa. Medicare also currently does not cover incontinence products.

It depends. You are permitted to apply for Medicaid if you receive health insurance from a private plan, but your state will still consider your income level to see if you qualify. 

If you experience a qualifying life event, like job loss, divorce, or birth, you may be able to apply for coverage during your state’s Special Enrollment Period.

You’ll need to reapply for your coverage at the end of each 12-month period. Find out more.

Medicaid plans typically have 45 days to process your application. 

If your state has Medicaid managed care plans, you can choose one of them based on their requirements and benefits.

You’ll need to ask your providers if they take your Medicaid plan. If not, you’ll need to find providers that are inside your insurance plan coverage.

It depends. Most Medicaid and Medicaid managed care plans will cover incontinence supplies, such as adult pull-ons, adult briefs, pediatric pull-ups, pediatric diapers, and other supplemental items, if you meet the requirements.

It's important to note that Medicaid policies and procedures can vary from state-to-state, so some of these specific details may differ based on where you live. If you or someone you know is considering enrolling in Medicaid, it's a good idea to contact your state's Medicaid office or visit their website for accurate and up-to-date information.

References

When Is Open Enrollment 2021? Dates & Deadlines for Each State. (2021, April 20). HealthMarkets. https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/health-insurance/open-enrollment/

‌Medicaid.gov. (2022). Eligibility. Medicaid.gov. https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/index.html

‌List of Medicaid Eligibility Groups. (n.d.). https://www.medicaid.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/list-of-eligibility-groups.pdf

‌How to apply for Medicaid. (n.d.). Medicare Interactive. https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/cost-saving-programs-for-people-with-medicare/medicare-and-medicaid/how-to-apply-for-medicaid

‌Mandatory & Optional Medicaid Benefits | Medicaid. (n.d.). www.medicaid.gov. https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/mandatory-optional-medicaid-benefits/index.html

‌https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/denied-medicaid/

Disclaimer

Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology website is not intended as a substitute to medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.