Medicaid is a healthcare program that offers medical coverage to Alaskans with low incomes. The program assists low-income children, pregnant women, families, adults without dependent children between the ages of 19 and 64, the elderly, the blind, and the permanently disabled. There is no time limit for enrollment, and many working families may be eligible for assistance. The Division of Public Assistance is responsible for determining the eligibility criteria for Medicaid.
The covered services under Alaska Medicaid include:
Eligibility for Medicaid in Alaska encompasses various groups:
This covers Alaskans ages 19 to 64 not eligible for other Medicaid types and have incomes below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Aimed at low-income families with dependent children.
Offers comprehensive health care for:
For women screened by a Ladies First provider and diagnosed with a precancerous condition or cancer of the breast or cervix, meeting specific income guidelines.
For recipients needing nursing care in facilities such as skilled nursing facilities (SNF), intermediate care facilities (ICF), or facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Covers additional services for individuals in groups like the aged, physically disabled, intellectually and developmentally disabled, and children with complex medical conditions.
For disabled children ineligible for SSI cash assistance due to parental income, based on the child's income and need for a specific level of care.
For needy, aged, blind, and disabled persons receiving adult public assistance (APA), including those 65 or older or with a severe, long-term disability.
Provides health care coverage for individuals aged 19 to 21 who meet income and resource guidelines but don't qualify under other Medicaid categories.
For Alaskans aged 21 to 65 not eligible for Medicaid but needing help with specific illnesses like terminal illness, cancer requiring chemotherapy, diabetes, chronic hypertension, mental illness, or seizure disorder. CAMA covers physician services, limited prescriptions, and certain medical supplies for covered conditions.
To apply, visit my.Alaska.gov and use the ARIES Self-Service Portal. You can also apply over the phone through the Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778.
Alternatively, Complete a paper Application for Services and send it by mail, fax, email, in-person/lobby drop box, direct secure messaging (requires a DSM account), or through a fee agent.
Starting April 1, 2023, Alaska resumed its pre-pandemic process for annual Medicaid renewals, requiring recipients to reconfirm their eligibility.
To ensure continuous coverage, individuals must update their contact information with the Division of Public Assistance, mainly if there have been changes in the past three years. This can be done online through the Medicaid Information Update Form or by calling the Medicaid Information Update Hotline at 833-441-1870.
Additionally, recipients should watch for a letter from the Division in the next 12 months, indicating either renewal confirmation or the need for a response. If a renewal form is received, it should be completed and returned promptly.
