How My Son Got Life-Changing ABA Therapy for Autism Covered 100% by Medicaid

How My Son Got Life-Changing ABA Therapy for Autism Covered 100% by Medicaid

The Therapy He Needed, The Coverage We Found

When my son was diagnosed with autism, his doctor recommended intensive ABA therapy. We were devastated to learn our private insurance wouldn’t cover the high cost. It felt like the help he needed was just out of reach. A support group parent told me to apply for Medicaid for my son as a secondary insurance. Because of his disability diagnosis, he was eligible. His Medicaid plan covered the entire cost of his ABA therapy, 40 hours a week. It was a life-changing benefit that gave my son the tools he needed to thrive.

The “EPSDT” Secret: How I Got Medicaid to Pay for My Daughter’s Orthopedic Shoes and Special Formula

My Secret Weapon Was a Federal Law

My daughter needed special, expensive orthopedic shoes and a prescribed medical formula that her Medicaid plan initially denied. I was about to give up when her pediatrician told me about the secret weapon for kids on Medicaid: EPSDT. It stands for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment. It’s a federal rule that says Medicaid must pay for any service or supply that is medically necessary to improve a child’s condition. Armed with a letter from her doctor citing EPSDT, we appealed. The plan had no choice but to approve both.

My Kid Needed Braces. Here’s the Loophole That Got Medicaid to Pay the $6,000 Bill.

A Straight Smile Was a Medical Necessity

I always thought braces were a cosmetic luxury that Medicaid would never cover. And for purely cosmetic reasons, that’s true. But my son’s teeth were so crowded that it was causing severe jaw pain and he couldn’t chew his food properly. His orthodontist documented these issues carefully. He made the case that the braces were not for looks, but were “medically necessary” to correct a severe malocclusion that was impacting his health. Because of this medical justification, my son’s Medicaid plan approved and paid for the entire $6,000 treatment.

CHIP vs. Medicaid: Which One is Right for Your Child (and How to Apply)

Two Doors to the Same Great Coverage

I was confused about the difference between Medicaid and CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program). A state eligibility worker explained it to me simply. Both programs provide excellent, low-cost health coverage for kids. Which one your child gets is based on your household income. Medicaid is for children in lower-income families, while CHIP is for children in families with slightly higher incomes. The good news is, you don’t have to choose. You fill out one single application through your state’s marketplace, and the system automatically places your child in the right program for you.

How to Get Your Child’s Therapy (Speech, Occupational, Physical) Covered by Medicaid Without a Fight

The Doctor’s Note That Opened the Door

My daughter’s teacher recommended she get speech therapy. I was worried our Medicaid plan would deny it or limit the visits. The key to getting it approved without a fight was a powerful, detailed “Letter of Medical Necessity” from her pediatrician. The letter didn’t just say she needed therapy. It included her specific diagnostic codes, the results of her developmental screening, and a clear explanation of why the therapy was essential for her long-term academic and social success. That strong medical justification was the evidence the plan needed to approve the full treatment plan.

The Parent’s Guide to Navigating School-Based Medicaid Services (IEP & 504 Plans)

The School and My Health Plan, Working Together

My son receives physical therapy through his Individualized Education Program (IEP) at his public school. I was surprised to learn that the school can, and does, bill his Medicaid for those services. It doesn’t cost me anything, and it doesn’t reduce his other therapy benefits. It’s actually a partnership. The school gets reimbursed with federal funds for providing a medical service, which helps their budget. And my son gets the convenient, consistent therapy he needs to fully participate in his education. It’s a win-win system.

My Child Has Severe Allergies. Here’s How Medicaid Covered EpiPens and Specialist Visits.

Breathing Easier, Financially and Literally

My daughter’s severe peanut allergy is a constant source of fear for our family. Her Medicaid plan has been our financial shield. It covers her regular visits to a top pediatric allergist with a zero co-pay. Most importantly, it covers the high cost of her life-saving EpiPens. We are able to keep a set at home, a set at school, and one in my purse. Knowing that we can always afford the medicine that can save her life gives our family an incredible sense of security.

The Katie Beckett Waiver: How My Child With Complex Medical Needs Got Medicaid Despite Our Income

The Waiver That Ignored Our Paychecks

My husband and I have good jobs and private insurance. But our son has complex medical needs that require round-the-clock care, and our insurance had coverage limits. We were going broke. A social worker told us about the “Katie Beckett Waiver.” It’s a special Medicaid program for children with significant disabilities. The magic of this waiver is that it bases eligibility on the child’s income and assets (which are zero), completely disregarding the parents’ income. Getting this waiver gave our son a secondary insurance that picked up all the costs our primary plan wouldn’t.

How to Find a Great Pediatric Dentist Who Takes Medicaid and is Great with Kids

The Dentist Hunt That Ended With a Smile

I was determined to find a dentist for my kids who not only accepted Medicaid but was also kind and patient. I didn’t just pick a name from the insurance list. I went to my local mom’s group on Facebook and asked for personal recommendations. I wrote, “Can anyone recommend a great pediatric dentist who is wonderful with kids and accepts Medicaid?” The response was overwhelming. I got the names of three different practices that other moms loved. We found a fantastic dentist who made my kids feel safe and comfortable.

A Parent’s Guide to Accessing Children’s Mental Health Services Through Medicaid

The Help My Son Needed, The Coverage We Had

My teenage son was struggling with anxiety and depression. As a parent, I felt helpless. I was so grateful that our son’s Medicaid plan provided robust mental health coverage. We started with his pediatrician, who gave us a referral to a child psychologist. His weekly therapy sessions were fully covered. When his therapist recommended medication, his visit with the psychiatrist was also covered, as was the prescription itself. Medicaid provided a complete network of support that gave my son the tools he needed to navigate a difficult time.

My Child Was Automatically Enrolled in Medicaid. Here’s Why and What it Means.

The “Deemed Eligibility” That Simplified Everything

I was on Pregnancy Medicaid when I gave birth to my daughter. In the hospital, a social worker told me not to worry about applying for insurance for my baby. She explained the “deemed newborn” rule. Because I was covered by Medicaid on her birthday, my daughter was automatically “deemed” eligible for her own Medicaid coverage for a full year. I didn’t have to fill out a single form. Her coverage was active from the moment she was born, ensuring she had access to all her well-child visits and vaccinations from day one.

The Complete Guide to Vision Care for Kids on Medicaid (Free Glasses, Exams, and More)

A Clear Future for My Daughter

My daughter was squinting to see the board at school. I knew she needed glasses. Her Medicaid plan made the process simple and free. First, her annual eye exam with a pediatric ophthalmologist was covered with a zero co-pay. The doctor confirmed she needed glasses and gave us a prescription. Then, her plan covered a brand-new pair of glasses for her. Many plans even cover a replacement pair if the first ones get broken or lost. The EPSDT mandate ensures that children on Medicaid have access to the vision care they need to succeed.

How to Get In-Home Nursing Care for Your Medically Fragile Child Through Medicaid

The Nurse Who Helped Me Keep Him Home

My son was born with a condition that required a feeding tube and other complex medical care. I was terrified of bringing him home from the hospital. The thought of managing his care alone was overwhelming. Through a Medicaid waiver program for medically fragile children, we were approved for in-home nursing care. A skilled nurse came to our house for eight hours a day. She managed his care, taught me what to do, and gave me the confidence I needed. This benefit allowed my son to grow up at home with his family, not in an institution.

Navigating the “TEFRA Option”: A Lifeline for Children with Disabilities in Some States

The Program That Closed Our Insurance Gap

Our son’s disability required therapies and treatments that our private insurance didn’t fully cover. We made too much money to qualify for traditional Medicaid. We live in a state that offers the “TEFRA option.” This program allows children with significant disabilities to get Medicaid based on their own disability status, not our family income. We had to pay a small monthly premium based on our income. But in return, our son got a Medicaid card that acted as a secondary insurance, picking up all the costs our primary plan denied. It was a crucial financial lifeline.

What to Do When Your Child Turns 19 and Ages Out of Their Medicaid Plan

His 19th Birthday and His New Application

My son had been on our state’s children’s Medicaid program his whole life. When he turned 19, he “aged out.” His coverage was terminated. We learned that he now had to apply as an “adult.” He went to our state’s health marketplace website and filled out a brand-new application based on his own status as an adult. Because he was a college student with a low-paying part-time job, he was approved for adult Medicaid on his own. It was a seamless transition, but it required a whole new application.

How Medicaid Covers All Well-Child Visits and Vaccinations for Free

My Kids Never Miss a Check-Up

As a parent, one of my biggest priorities is keeping my kids healthy and up-to-date on their shots. Our children’s Medicaid plan makes that easy and free. Every year, they get their full “well-child” check-up. The doctor tracks their growth and development, and we can ask any questions we have. All of their recommended vaccinations, from birth through their teenage years, are also covered 100%. There are never any co-pays for these preventative visits. It gives me peace of mind to know I can always afford to protect their health.

My Child Needed Emergency Surgery. Medicaid Covered Everything, No Questions Asked.

The Worst Day of Our Lives, Made a Little Easier

My daughter fell off the monkey bars at the park and broke her arm badly. It required emergency surgery. It was a terrifying experience. In the midst of our panic and fear, the one thing we didn’t have to worry about was the cost. Her Medicaid coverage was a complete shield. It covered the ambulance ride, the emergency room, the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and her overnight hospital stay. We received a stack of “Explanation of Benefits” letters showing a zero balance. We could just focus on her, which was all that mattered.

The Truth About Medicaid Coverage for ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

The Focus My Son Needed, The Help We Received

My son’s teacher suggested he might have ADHD. We took him to his pediatrician, who was covered by his Medicaid plan. The doctor spent a long time with us, doing a thorough evaluation and confirming the diagnosis. He then referred us to a child therapist, also covered by our plan. When we decided to try medication, the prescription was covered for a small co-pay. Medicaid provided comprehensive, wrap-around care for my son’s ADHD, from the initial diagnosis to the ongoing therapy and medication management.

How to Get Medical Transportation for Your Child’s Specialist Appointments

The Ride That Made Treatment Possible

My daughter needed to see a specialist at the children’s hospital, which was an hour away. Our old car was unreliable, and I was scared to drive it that far. I was about to cancel the appointment when I called her Medicaid plan’s member services line. They told me she was entitled to non-emergency medical transportation. They arranged for a car service to pick us up, take us to the appointment, and bring us home. This incredible benefit meant my daughter never had to miss an appointment and could get the specialized care she needed.

A Guide for Foster Parents: Navigating the Medicaid System for Your Child

Their Health Was My First Priority

When we welcomed our first foster child into our home, we were given his Medicaid card. We learned that every child in the foster care system is automatically eligible for Medicaid. It is their primary health insurance. Our first step was to take him to a pediatrician in the plan’s network for a full check-up. We worked closely with his caseworker to coordinate his care and make sure his medical records were all in one place. Medicaid was the tool that allowed us to immediately address his health needs and get him on a path to wellness.

How to Manage Your Child’s Medicaid Managed Care Plan

I Became the CEO of My Child’s Health

My son’s Medicaid benefits were delivered through a “Managed Care Plan” run by a private insurance company. I learned to be the CEO of his plan. I got very familiar with their website and provider directory. I signed up for the member portal so I could track his claims. I got to know the name of his assigned case manager. By being proactive and organized, I was able to get the most out of his plan and ensure he was getting all the benefits and services he was entitled to.

The “Deeming” Rules Explained: Does My Income Affect My Disabled Child’s Medicaid?

The Rule That Separated Our Finances

Our son has a severe disability, and we were seeking Medicaid for him to cover services our private insurance wouldn’t. We were worried our income was too high. We learned about the “deeming” rules. For some disability-based Medicaid programs, the state does not “deem” the parents’ income to the child. The child’s eligibility is based on their own disability and their own (zero) assets. This rule is a lifeline for many middle-class families with children who have extraordinary medical needs. It allowed our son to qualify for the help he needed.

How to Appeal a Denied Service for Your Child (And Win)

I Fought for My Daughter, and We Won

My daughter’s Medicaid plan denied a specific type of therapy her doctor had ordered. I was angry and felt like giving up. But I knew I was her best advocate. I filed an appeal immediately. My secret weapon was a powerful, detailed “Letter of Medical Necessity” from her doctor. He clearly explained why the therapy was not just “helpful,” but essential for her development. I also submitted articles from medical journals to back it up. The strong evidence we presented was impossible for them to ignore, and they overturned the denial.

Getting Durable Medical Equipment for Your Child (Wheelchairs, Hearing Aids, etc.)

The Tools He Needed to Access His World

My son needed a specialized wheelchair and hearing aids. These are considered “durable medical equipment” (DME), and they are incredibly expensive. His pediatrician wrote a prescription for them. We then worked with a DME supply company that was in-network with his Medicaid plan. The supply company handled the prior authorization process with the plan. Because the equipment was deemed “medically necessary” for him to function and access his world, Medicaid covered the full cost of both the wheelchair and his hearing aids.

The Little-Known Respite Care Benefit That Gives Caregiver Parents a Break

The Break I Needed to Keep Going

Caring for my child with complex medical needs is a 24/7 job. I was exhausted and burned out. I was about to break. A social worker told me to look into “respite care” through my son’s Medicaid waiver program. I couldn’t believe such a thing existed. The program paid for a trained, skilled caregiver to come to our home for a full weekend every month. It allowed me to get a real break—to sleep, see a friend, or just be alone. That respite care benefit was as much for my health as it was for his.

How to Coordinate Medicaid with a Private Insurance Plan for Your Child

The Best of Both Worlds

My son was covered by my “good” private insurance plan from my job. But because he also has a disability, he also qualified for Medicaid. This “dual coverage” was like a superpower. My private insurance was our primary plan. We used its large network of doctors. After my primary plan paid its share, the bill automatically went to Medicaid, which then picked up 100% of the co-pays and deductibles. We got the great access of our private plan with the amazing financial protection of Medicaid.

A Guide to Medicaid for Former Foster Youth Up to Age 26

The Safety Net That Didn’t End at 18

I grew up in the foster care system, and I was terrified of what would happen when I “aged out” at 18. I thought I would be completely on my own. I was so relieved to learn about a provision in the Affordable Care Act. It mandates that any youth who was in foster care on their 18th birthday is eligible for Medicaid until they turn 26, regardless of their income. This extended coverage was a crucial safety net that allowed me to go to college and start my career, knowing my health was protected.

Does Medicaid Cover Summer Camps or Therapeutic Programs for Kids?

The Summer Camp That Was Also Therapy

My son with ADHD struggles in traditional summer camps. His therapist recommended a specialized “therapeutic summer program” that was designed to help with social skills. I assumed Medicaid would never pay for something like that. But because his therapist prescribed it as a medically necessary part of his ongoing behavioral treatment plan, the Medicaid plan approved it. It wasn’t just “camp”; it was an extension of his therapy. It’s a rare benefit, but it’s possible when there’s a strong medical justification.

How to Get Nutritional Supplements and Feeding Tube Supplies Covered

The Food That Was His Medicine

My son was born with a condition that required him to get his nutrition through a feeding tube. The cost of the special formula and all the supplies—the bags, the tubes, the pump—was enormous. Because the formula and supplies were prescribed by his doctor, they were considered a “medical necessity.” His Medicaid plan covered everything. A medical supply company delivered a month’s worth of supplies right to our door, and the co-pay was zero. Medicaid ensured our son got the life-saving nutrition he needed.

Navigating a Child’s Hospital Stay on Medicaid: A Parent’s Guide

The Hospital Stay That Cost Us Nothing But Sleep

When my daughter was admitted to the hospital with a bad case of RSV, it was the scariest week of our lives. But thanks to her Medicaid coverage, the financial part was the one thing we didn’t have to worry about. We stayed by her side, slept in uncomfortable chairs, and focused on her breathing. Her Medicaid plan covered the entire cost of the hospital stay, the doctors, the medications, and the breathing treatments. We walked out of that hospital with our healthy daughter and a bill for $0.

The “Health Home” Program for Children with Chronic Conditions

The Team That Coordinated My Son’s Complex Care

My son has asthma, diabetes, and ADHD. Managing all his different doctors, appointments, and medications felt like a full-time job. His pediatrician enrolled him in a Medicaid “Health Home” program. It wasn’t a building; it was a dedicated team, led by a care coordinator. She helped us schedule appointments, made sure his specialists were communicating with each other, and connected us with community resources. It was a single point of contact that helped us manage his complex care and keep him as healthy as possible.

How to Get a Second Opinion for Your Child’s Diagnosis

The Reassurance We Needed, For Free

Our daughter was diagnosed with a rare and serious condition. We loved our doctor, but we wanted to get a second opinion from a nationally-recognized expert at a big children’s hospital. We were worried her Medicaid plan wouldn’t pay for it. We called her case manager, who was very supportive. She confirmed that getting a second opinion was a covered benefit. She helped us get the referral and the prior authorization. We were able to see the top expert in the field, and it gave us the reassurance we needed.

Understanding Your Child’s Rights to Care Under Federal Medicaid Law

The Law That Guarantees Care

I learned that kids on Medicaid have special rights under a federal law called EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment). This law is incredibly powerful. It says that Medicaid must cover any and all “medically necessary” services to treat or improve your child’s condition. This includes things that might be considered “optional” for adults. If a doctor says your child needs it—whether it’s a type of therapy, a piece of equipment, or a specific test—EPSDT means that Medicaid is legally required to pay for it.

How to Get Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments to Prevent Cavities for Free

The Shield That Protected My Kids’ Teeth

I want to do everything I can to prevent my kids from getting cavities. At their very first dental visit, which was covered by their Medicaid plan, the dentist recommended dental sealants. It’s a thin, protective coating that is painted onto their molars to “seal out” decay. He also gave them a fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel. Because these are proven, effective preventative services, they were both covered 100% by their Medicaid plan. It’s an investment in their future health that didn’t cost me a penny.

The Connection Between WIC, Food Stamps (SNAP), and Your Child’s Health

The Three-Legged Stool of Support

When my child was approved for Medicaid, the caseworker told me she was also automatically eligible for WIC. These programs are a three-legged stool of support for families. Medicaid covers your child’s healthcare. WIC provides specific healthy foods, like milk, eggs, and formula. And SNAP (food stamps) helps you buy the rest of your groceries. Using all three programs together creates a powerful safety net that ensures your child has access to quality healthcare and the nutritious food they need to grow up healthy and strong.

What to Do if Your Pediatrician Stops Taking Medicaid

The Breakup, and the New Beginning

We loved our pediatrician, and we were devastated when her office sent a letter saying they would no longer be accepting Medicaid. My first step was not to panic. I logged into my Medicaid plan’s online provider directory. I searched for other pediatricians within a five-mile radius of my house. I found three highly-rated practices that were accepting new patients. I called and scheduled a “meet and greet” with one of them. While changing doctors was a hassle, we ended up finding a new doctor that we love even more.

How to Get Help for a Child with an Eating Disorder Through Medicaid

The Life-Saving Care My Daughter Received

When my teenage daughter developed a serious eating disorder, our world was turned upside down. The intensive treatment she needed was incredibly expensive. We were so relieved and grateful that her Medicaid plan provided comprehensive coverage. It covered her inpatient stabilization at the hospital. It covered her sessions with a specialized therapist and a registered dietitian. It even covered her intensive outpatient program after she was discharged. Medicaid provided the multi-disciplinary team she needed to begin her long road to recovery.

The Ultimate Checklist for Your Child’s Annual Medicaid-Covered Checkup

Getting the Most Out of Our “Well-Child” Visit

I used to just show up for my son’s annual check-up. Now, I go in with a plan. My checklist includes: 1. Ask about vaccinations: “Is he up-to-date on everything?” 2. Discuss developmental milestones: “Is he on track with his speech and motor skills?” 3. Request necessary screenings: “Does he need his hearing or vision checked this year?” 4. Get referrals: “I’m concerned about his allergies. Can we get a referral to a specialist?” This simple checklist ensures we use that free visit to its fullest potential.

How to Report Changes in Your Income to Protect Your Child’s Coverage

My Raise Didn’t Hurt His Healthcare

I got a raise at work, and I knew I had to report it to the Medicaid office. I was worried it would cause my son to lose his health coverage. I called my caseworker and reported the new income. She was reassuring. She explained that the income limits for children’s Medicaid (CHIP) are much higher than for adults. While my raise meant that I no longer qualified for my own coverage, my son’s income level was still well within the CHIP guidelines. Our family income changed, but his access to healthcare didn’t.

Does Medicaid Cover Genetic Testing for Children?

The Test That Gave Us Answers

My son had a series of unexplained medical issues, and his geneticist recommended a specific genetic test to look for a rare syndrome. The test was very expensive, and we were sure Medicaid would deny it. But the doctor submitted the request with a detailed letter of medical necessity. He explained how a definitive diagnosis would fundamentally change the course of my son’s treatment. Because it was a diagnostic tool, not just for curiosity, Medicaid approved and covered the entire cost of the test. It finally gave us the answers we needed.

A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Psychiatric Hospitals and Residential Treatment with Medicaid

The Intensive Care My Daughter Needed

My daughter’s mental health crisis reached a point where she needed more help than outpatient therapy could provide. Her psychiatrist recommended a short-term stay at a children’s psychiatric hospital. It was a terrifying decision, but her Medicaid plan made it possible. The plan covered her inpatient psychiatric care, including therapy and medication management. When she was ready for a step-down level of care, it also covered her stay at a residential treatment facility. Medicaid provided the intensive, wrap-around mental healthcare that saved her life.

How to Get a Personal Care Aide (PCA) for Your Child at Home

The Helper Who Changed Our Family’s Life

My son’s physical disabilities meant he needed constant help with daily activities like dressing, bathing, and moving around our home. I was exhausted and couldn’t do it all myself. Through our state’s Medicaid waiver program, my son was approved for a Personal Care Aide (PCA). A wonderful aide now comes to our house for several hours a day. She helps him with his personal needs, which frees me up to work, cook, and care for my other children. The PCA service has been a lifeline for our entire family.

Navigating Medicaid When You Share Custody of a Child

The Rule That Followed the Child

My ex-wife and I share 50/50 custody of our daughter. We were confused about whose Medicaid case she should be on. The rule is surprisingly simple: the child’s eligibility is usually determined by the household of the parent who claims her as a dependent on their taxes for that year. This year, it was my turn to claim her. So, she was on my Medicaid case, and her eligibility was based on my income. Next year, when my ex-wife claims her, she will be on her mother’s case.

The Best Resources for Parents of Children with Special Healthcare Needs on Medicaid

The Helpers Who Helped Us

Raising a child with special needs can be isolating. Navigating the healthcare system on top of that is a huge challenge. We found two resources that were invaluable. The first was our state’s “Parent to Parent” organization, which connected us with another family who had a child with the same diagnosis. They became our mentors. The second was the “Family Voices” network. They provided information and advocacy training that helped us become better advocates for our son within the Medicaid system. We didn’t have to do it alone.

How to Transition Your Teen with a Disability to the Adult Medicaid System

The “Cliff” We Avoided

Our son has been on children’s Medicaid his whole life due to his disability. We knew he would “age out” of the children’s system on his 19th birthday. We started planning for the transition a full year in advance. We worked with his caseworker to fill out the application for adult disability-based Medicaid. We had to provide updated medical records to prove his continued disability. Because we started early, his approval for the adult program was in place before his children’s coverage ever ended. We avoided the dreaded “coverage cliff.”

What Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s Medicaid ID Card

Their Passport to Healthcare

The day my kids’ Medicaid cards came in the mail, I treated them like passports. I made a photocopy of each one and put it in my wallet. I took a picture of the front and back with my phone and saved it in a “favorites” album. The card has all the crucial information on it: their name, their ID number, and the name and phone number of their Managed Care Plan. Having that information handy at all times has saved me countless headaches at the doctor’s office and the pharmacy.

How to Get Home Modifications (like a ramp) for Your Disabled Child

The Ramp That Gave Him Freedom

Our son uses a wheelchair, and the three steps up to our front door were like a mountain. He couldn’t get in or out of our house on his own. We learned about a Medicaid “Home and Community-Based Services” waiver. This program is designed to help people with disabilities live in their own homes. Through the waiver, Medicaid paid for a contractor to build a beautiful, sturdy wheelchair ramp. It has given our son a new level of independence and has made our whole family’s life easier.

Does Medicaid Cover Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport for Kids?

The Safe Ride to His Appointment

My son is in a wheelchair and needs to go to a specialty clinic at the children’s hospital once a month. Getting him there in my small car is difficult and unsafe. His case manager helped us arrange for non-emergency medical transport. It’s not a “lights and sirens” ambulance. It’s a special van with a wheelchair lift. They pick him up, secure him safely, and take him to his appointment. Because it is medically necessary for him to travel safely, his Medicaid plan covers the entire cost of the transport.

The #1 Mistake Parents Make with Their Child’s Medicaid Coverage

The Renewal Form I Almost Threw Away

The biggest mistake parents make with Medicaid is accidentally letting it lapse. A year after my son was approved, I got a thick renewal packet in the mail from the state. It looked like junk mail, and I almost tossed it. Luckily, I opened it. It was the annual renewal form. If I hadn’t filled it out and sent it back with my updated income information by the deadline, his coverage would have been terminated. Now, I watch the mail like a hawk during our “renewal month” and handle it immediately.

Why Your Child Might Qualify for Medicaid Even if You Don’t

He Got In, Even When I Didn’t

I applied for Medicaid for myself and my daughter. I was denied because my income was slightly too high. But the denial letter came with good news. It said that my daughter was approved. I learned that the income eligibility limits for children are much, much higher than they are for adults. In my state, my income disqualified me, but it was still low enough for my daughter to be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). I was so relieved to know that even if I wasn’t covered, she was.