i‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍ need a response to this discussion: Medicaid is both a sta

i‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍ need a response to this discussion: Medicaid is both a state and federal program which provides health insurance coverage to approximately 72.5 millions of Americans, essentially becoming one of the largest sources of healthcare coverage in the United States (“Long term services”, n.d.). To determine income eligibility for Medicaid, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income is utilized for children, pregnant mothers, and adults. However, individuals with disabilities, blindness, or over the age of 65, there are different methods used to determine Medicaid eligibility. Fortunately, for individuals in need of long-term care, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services are working towards granting them a full array of services to ensure quality outcomes (“Long term services”, n.d.). Currently, Medicaid is the primary health coverage for long-term care services, especially for those within the low-income population. Therefore, the patient in need of long-term care services who qualifies for Medicaid coverage, and falls within the low-income population, I would initiate the steps to advocate to ensure the patient received the benefits they deserved. After determining eligibility, I would continue to gather information required for Medicaid including income taxes, financial statements, and proof of Medicare part A and B coverage (“Long term services”, .). However, gathering information is just half the battle. Continuing to follow correct protocol for Medicaid coverage while also ensuring physicians and nurses are documenting accura‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍tely. Documentation is pertinent. For health insurances documentation is essential. While continuing to be in an acute care setting, referrals could be made to different long-term nursing facilities. Thus, when Medicaid approves, the patient will have a facility to be transferred to. While there could be a slight possibility for Medicaid to deny, other referrals could be placed, or organizations could be reached to ensure the patient receives the optimal care needed. However, there are other healthcare professionals that I could collaborate with to ensure the patient receives healthcare coverage. As mentioned, physicians may a vital role in the decisions of health insurance coverage. For example, health insurances will review physicians’ notes, the patient’s diagnosis, and the chosen treatment, when making their decision. The healthcare facilities social workers and case management would be other healthcare professional that I could collaborate with to ensure healthcare coverage. The social workers and case management could assess the patient financial situation, providing additional information confirming the low-income status. Family dynamics are also important when applying for Medicaid coverage, thus the social workers could assist in determining that. The collaboration of the disciplinary team allows for patients to receive optimal care ensuring optimal outcomes. Ensuring healthcare coverage take a village. Long Term Services & supports. (.). Retrieved from