After you join a health plan, you will get most of your Medical Assistance (Medicaid) benefits through that health plan. All plans offer the same basic benefits plus some extra services.
Your health benefits
After you choose a health plan, your plan will send you a handbook about your benefits and services. To learn more about benefits, go to Compare plans.
Your benefits will be based on your "category of assistance." Your county assistance office decides your category. These are the basic benefits for all Medical Assistance (Medicaid) programs:
- Doctor and hospital visits - including lab and x-ray services, emergency services and visits to specialists
- Medicine - prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs if prescribed by a doctor
- OB/GYN care for women - pregnancy care, family planning and birth control
- Dental care - routine dental care for children to age 21; benefits vary for adults
- Vision care - medically necessary services including eye exams, glasses and lenses
- Medical equipment - such as wheel chairs and diabetic supplies
- Chiropractic care, physical therapy, foot care and home health care
Special needs
These include special health care needs, such as asthma, heart problems or diabetes. They also include special needs because of a problem in your life that could affect your health. Examples include homelessness, domestic violence or children in substitute care.
If you have a special need, your health plan's Special Needs Unit (SNU) can give you extra help. The SNU will work with you to give you the help you need to stay healthy. If you have special needs, contact your health plan. Ask for the Special Needs Unit.
Children, teens and young adults
Children up to age 21 can get many different kinds of services. These include regular checkups, immunizations (shots), glasses, braces, hearing exams and hearing aids if needed.
You can learn more about these benefits on Children, teens and young adults.