Medicaid in Alaska: The Basics
19 November 2005One of every two children born in Alaska is born with the assistance of Medicaid. Nearly one of every four Alaskans is served by Medicaid. Medicaid is the largest health insurance program in Alaska–it is far bigger than Blue Cross/Blue Shield or any other health insurance program in the State, yet the importance and magnitude of Medicaid in Alaska goes largely unrecognized. Moreover, Medicaid represents a major expenditure in state and federal budgets in Alaska and throughout the United States. It is currently under attack by budget cutters who have no qualms slashing Medicaid and at the same time vastly increasing tax cuts to the wealthy–but more on this later. Now, let’s take a look at the basics. According to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance:
Medicaid is an “entitlement program†created by the federal government, but administered by the state, to provide payment for medical services for low-income citizens. People qualify for Medicaid by meeting federal income and asset standards and by fitting into a specified eligibility. Under federal rules, DHSS has authority to limit services as long as the services provided are adequate in “amount, duration, and scope†to satisfy the recipient’s medical needs.
Medicaid began as a program to pay for health care for poor people who were unable to work. It covered the aged, the blind, the disabled, and single parent families. Over the years, Medicaid has expanded to cover more people. For instance, children and pregnant women may qualify under higher income limits and without asset limits. Families with unemployed parents may qualify, and families who lose regular Family Medicaid because a parent returns to work may continue to be covered for up to one year.
There have also been changes in the eligibility rules for people who need the level of care provided in an institution, such as a nursing home. Now, most Alaskans who need — but cannot afford — this expensive care may qualify for Medicaid. In addition, recent changes within the Alaska Medicaid program give some people who need an institutional level of care the opportunity to stay at home to receive that care.
Denali KidCare is an Alaskan program that is closely linked to Medicaid in both historical origins and funding. “Denali KidCare is a State of Alaska program designed to ensure that children and teens of both working and non-working families can have the health insurance they need. Denali KidCare provides excellent health insurance coverage for children and teens through age 18, and for pregnant women who meet income guidelines.”
No introduction to Denali KidCare can be complete without mentioning Alaska’s Covering Kids Coalition, a hardworking coalition of Alaskan organizations dedicated to “improving access to quality health care for Alaska’s children and families. The Coalition works to promote the Denali KidCare and Medicaid programs to expand enrollment to eligible families through outreach and retention strategies, policy development, and marketing and network opportunities.”
More to follow on the attack on Medicaid funding at the federal level, and its consequences for Alaskans. —ldw