Test Medicaid Member Handbook
Health care coverage is important because it can help you and your loved ones live healthier by helping you pay for medical expenses. Your Medicaid coverage gives you access to routine health care, specialist, testing, prescriptions, and more. We want you to live a safe and healthy life and for North Dakota to become the healthiest state in the nation. Medicaid varies from state to state. This handbook explains the North Dakota Medicaid program.
Understanding Health Care in the United States
Health care is the treatment, medications, supplies, tests, and guidance you get from your doctor or other health care worker. We refer to a doctor or other health care professional as a provider or health care provider. You are charged for the health care you get. Health care in the United States (U.S.) can be expensive.
Health insurance helps pay for health care costs. Health insurance companies offer health insurance. These companies charge you a set amount of money every month. When you need health care, your doctor or other health care worker sends the bill to the health insurance company. The company pays most of the costs and you pay the rest.
Everyone should have health insurance. Many people living in North Dakota cannot afford to buy health insurance from an insurance company. The U.S. federal government created Medicaid for people that cannot afford to buy health insurance from a health insurance company.
Health insurance is also known as health care coverage. Medicaid is health care coverage that helps pay for health care costs by collecting tax money from citizens. Each state chooses to offer its own version of Medicaid coverage. Medicaid is offered to people who have a lower income, have costly health care needs, and other reasons.
Getting Information About Your New Coverage
Terms and Meanings
Some terms that we use in this chapter may not be familiar. These terms and their meanings are listed below.
- Household: The people who are part of your family, living in your home, and/or are listed on your Medicaid application.
- Prescription: An order from your provider for medications, equipment, testing, or supplies.
Getting Information About Your New Coverage
Welcome to Medicaid! You will be getting a notice about your new Medicaid coverage with an identification (ID) number for each member of your household. You will get a Medicaid ID card for every eligibile member about 4 to 6 weeks after your notice arrives.
Always carry your Medicaid ID card with you because an emergency could happen at any time. You should show your ID card every time you go to an appointment or fill a prescription.