Alabama Medicaid: Guide to Coverage and Eligibility

All across the nation, Medicaid covers about one out of every six dollars spent on health care and about half of all dollars spent specifically on long-term care. In the state of Alabama, Medicaid covers one out of every seven adults, four out of every nine children, two out of every three nursing home residents, and two out of every five disabled persons. About 13% of Alabama state funds are spent on Medicaid costs.

What You Should Know about Alabama Medicaid Includes:

• Medicaid Alabama Coverage
• Alabama Medicaid Providers
• Alabama Medicaid Eligibility Checklist
• The Alabama Medicaid Application
• Having both Medicare and Medicaid in Alabama

Medicaid Alabama Coverage

Medicaid in Alabama covers most of your basic health care needs with the exception of dental, which is only covered for those under 21. Otherwise, if you have Medicaid Alabama, you will have access to vision, hearing, lab services, radiology, renal dialysis, transplants, maternity care, mental health, family planning, hospital services, transportation, and prescription drugs.

Vision and Glasses

AL Medicaid beneficiaries over the age of 21 are eligible for one eye exam and one pair of glasses every three years. Those under 21 can get an eye exam and a pair of glasses every year. Contact lenses must be approved head of time and are usually only allowed in special circumstances.

Hearing and Cochlear Implants

Those between the ages of 5 and 21 can get one Medicaid-covered hearing screening each year. If you find that you or your child needs a cochlear implant, you’ll need to have a surgeon sign this authorization form. In most cases, hearing services and hearing aids are not covered for adults. This is a circumstance where those who are eligible for Medicare will want to invest in a Medicare Advantage policy.

Renal Dialysis for Kidney Failure (ESRD)

For those with kidney failure, AL Medicaid will cover 156 yearly outpatient dialysis treatments per year, which amounts to three per week. Keep in mind that if you are diagnosed with kidney failure (ESRD, End Stage Renal Disease), you will also qualify for Medicare! That means that you can get double the benefits with a “D-SNP,” or “Dual Special Needs Plan.”

Alabama Medicaid Formulary

While you may be able to get coverage for other prescriptions, there is an Alabama Medicaid preferred drug list. The drugs on this list do not require any prior authorization. In most cases, all generic drugs are considered “preferred,” so you shouldn’t have a problem unless there is a reason that you need to have a brand-name drug, which is rare. Brand name and generic drugs usually have the same effect.Back to Top

Alabama Medicaid Providers

To find Alabama Medicaid providers in your area, you can use a doctor search tool like ZocDoc or doctor.com. You can also log into your Alabama “My Medicaid” account to change providers.

Alabama Medicaid Dentist List (Smile Alabama)

Medicaid Alabama only covers dental services through Smile Alabama for those who are under 21 and fully eligible for Medicaid. Beneficiaries can receive six-month cleanings and checkups,  crowns, extractions, fillings, fluoride, space maintainers, sealants, root canals, and x-rays. Orthodontic services, hospitalization, and non-surgical periodontal treatment require prior authorization by Medicaid (at least two weeks before the procedure). In general, braces, dentures, gum surgery, and all-porcelain crowns are not covered.

Click here to view a list of Public Health Dental Clinics in Alabama. For a local Alabama Medicaid Dentist list, click here and enter your zip code.

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Alabama Medicaid Eligibility Checklist

There are seven Alabama Medicaid eligibility categories: Children, Parents and Caretaker Relatives, Pregnant Women, Elderly and Disabled, Nursing Home residents, Breast and Cervical Cancer, and Family Planning.

To qualify for any of the categories, you must be an Alabama resident and either a U.S. citizen or in satisfactory immigration status. You must also meet the income requirements according to the Federal Poverty Level as well as the resource requirements. Resources refer to cash, life insurance value, checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, real estate, stock and bonds, etc. Do you qualify for any of the listed categories?*

*All numbers reflect 2019 Alabama Medicaid eligibility requirements and are subject to change each year.

The Alabama Medicaid Application

You can apply for All Kids Alabama, Plan First, and/or Medicaid at insurealabama.org. If you prefer, you can download the Alabama Medicaid application and mail it in. If you’re having trouble, you can call 1-800-362-1504.Back to Top

Having both Medicare and Medicaid in Alabama

If you are above the age of 65 or if you have been diagnosed with ALS or ESRD, you probably qualify for Medicare. If you also meet any of the eligibility requirements listed above, you can qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid in Alabama. If you can get benefits from both, Medicare will pay first, then Medicaid will help cover the rest. Plus, with both Medicare and Medicaid, you won’t have to rely purely on Alabama Medicaid providers. You will also have access to the Medicare network. To start, complete the Alabama Medicaid application.

Both programs can be confusing and difficult to navigate, but we have experienced and licensed agents in 38 U.S. states who can answer your questions and help you select the best coverage option for you and your needs. To get started and find a licensed agent near you, click here or call 844-431-1832.Back to Top