If you’re feeling lost when it comes to LA Medicaid waiver services, you’re in the right place. Although Louisiana’s Medicaid program was created several decades ago, there are many misconceptions and gray areas that confuse Louisianans. This article will dispel the most common myths about Medicaid in Louisiana.
Myth 1: Medicaid Waiver services cover all medical needs.
Louisiana Medicaid waiver services are designed to provide targeted, specialized services – not comprehensive medical assistance. If you’re looking for a plan that covers all of your medical needs, we recommend looking into traditional Medicaid or private health insurance plans.
Myth 2: All Louisiana Medicaid waiver services are free.
Under an LA Medicaid waiver, beneficiaries typically receive a number of free services. However, in some cases, they will be required to pay a co-pay or cost-sharing percentage to receive care. To determine whether you’re expected to pay a portion of your service expenses, look at your waiver plan benefit documentation.
Myth 3: Everyone on LA Medicaid automatically qualifies for waivers.
Just because you qualify for traditional LA Medicaid doesn’t mean you automatically qualify for waivers. Every Medicaid waiver comes with unique requirements applicants must meet to be approved.
Myth 4: Once you are approved for LA Medicaid waiver services, you can’t change them.
If, at any point, you feel like your current LA Medicaid waiver coverage isn’t sufficient, you can talk to your support coordinator about increasing your benefits. They will submit a Plan of Care revision request to get you more coverage. Other adjustments may be made in real-time (switching providers, for example). Your support coordinator can handle tasks like these as well.
Myth 5: Your Louisiana waiver benefits will automatically renew.
No matter your waiver, it must be renewed regularly – usually yearly. The point of this is to ensure that benefits are only awarded to those who require them. When it’s time to renew your benefits, you’ll receive a redetermination letter outlining any documentation you need to send to Medicaid.
Myth 6: Louisiana Medicaid waivers are only for older adults.
There are Louisiana Medicaid waivers for people of all ages, including babies, school-aged children, and older youth. OCDD waivers for young people include the Children’s Choice Waiver, the New Opportunities Waiver, and the Residential Options Waiver.
Myth 7: You can’t change your provider once they’re assigned.
One of the perks of LA Medicaid waivers is that you can change your provider at any time. Just reach out to your support coordinator for assistance.
Myth 8: You can move out of state and keep your Louisiana Medicaid waiver.
Louisiana Medicaid waivers are only for residents of Louisiana. If you decide to move to another state and want to continue receiving benefits, you’ll have to start from square one and apply for benefits in your new state of residence.
Any More Questions?
If you have any other questions about Medicaid waivers, be sure to reach out to a support coordinator or call Medicaid directly. The professionals there have a singular goal – to connect you to the benefits you deserve, and answering your questions is part of that. We wish you the best as you pursue the public assistance you need.
