Are you in need of therapy services? Whether you require physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental therapy, or any other therapy type, the harsh reality is that it’s all very costly. Most people will need insurance to afford these services.
If you need therapy but don’t have hundreds or thousands of dollars lying around, there’s good news – Medicaid may cover most, if not all, of your therapy costs. Read on to find out how to get therapy covered by Louisiana Medicaid.
Therapy Covered By Medicaid
“Is therapy covered by Medicaid?” The answer is a resounding “yes!” Per the Louisiana Department of Health, LA Medicaid covers the following therapy types for Medicaid recipients between the ages of 0 and 20 years old:
- Audiological services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
Another type of therapy covered by Medicaid is behavioral therapy, which includes crisis intervention, psychosocial rehabilitation, and more.
These benefits are for Medicaid-eligible adults who fall into either of the following categories:
- Have a mental health diagnosis and have been assessed by a licensed mental health professional.
- Receive Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment (CPST) and/or Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Support (PSR) and have a minimum level of care of “3” on the LOCUS (Level of Care Utilization System), among other requirements.
- Receive IPS and PCS and are 21+ years old and have transitioned from (or been diverted from) a nursing facility as part of the My Choice Louisiana program.
Note: There are other types of therapy covered by Medicaid. The above list isn’t all-inclusive.
How to Get Therapy Through Louisiana Medicaid
Louisiana Medicaid therapy services are only offered to those who are eligible for Medicaid and meet the requirements laid out for that specific therapy type. In order to receive these services you must apply for Medicaid.
Once you’re approved, talk to your provider and request therapy. They’ll facilitate the prior authorization process as needed (not all therapy types require prior authorization).
If you’re having any issues, reach out to your support coordinator for assistance. It’s their goal to ensure you get all the care you need. And they have the tools and resources to do so.
What If You Don’t Qualify for Louisiana Medicaid?
If you don’t qualify for Louisiana Medicaid, you won’t be eligible for therapy through the program. If you’re denied coverage because your family’s income exceeds the eligibility maximum, look into programs such as the Medically Needy Program, which may allow for spend-down coverage.
You no longer have to ask yourself, “Does Medicaid cover therapy?” We’ve covered everything you need to know about how to get therapy covered by Louisiana Medicaid. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you pursue the benefits you’re due.
