Long Term Care in Oklahoma and the Services Behind it
Thursday, December 1, 2011 15:12In the State of Oklahoma, the total cost of long-term care is usually not covered by Medicare and medical insurance and only partly covered by Medicaid. That’s why; the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Oklahoma Insurance Department are working with private insurers to create the Oklahoma Long-Term Care Partnership program, a program with benefit alternatives that may possibly protect the consumer’s financial future.
With the OLTCP program, customers have access to high-high quality, lengthy-term care insurance that will offer advantages need to they require lengthy-term care in the future and, at the same time, may possibly permit the consumer to retain some assets in the event that the consumer applies for SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid).
What is SoonerCare?
SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) is a health coverage program jointly funded by the federal and state government. This program helps pay some or all medical bills for several people who can’t afford them. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) is the state agency that administers the program and determines financial eligibility for the program.
To be able to qualify for the program, the individual should meet specific set of requirements: (a) resident of OK (b) must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, and,(c) meet financial income and resources standards.SoonerCare covers numerous health care services. Even so, there are limitations that apply to guarantee that only medically needed services are supplied. There are instances some services are for kids only. The benefits and coverage outlined might change as well. Covered health care services may consist of doctor visits, hospitalization and prescriptions.
What about Medicaid?
In OK, Medicaid is the only public program that supplies substantial coverage for long-term care. Its LTC programs are created to enhance the overall quality of care for care residents. The OHCA is also responsible in overseeing LTC programs which include the following:
Nursing Facility – Gives 24-hour skilled care and related services for residents who need medical or nursing care.
Residential House Care – Provides or supplies residential accommodations, food service, and supportive assistance. May possibly provide assistance with meals, dressing, bathing, and other personal needs; Could assist in the administration of medications, but does not provide medical care.
Assisted Living Centre – Gives assistance with personal care, medications, and ambulation. May also provide nursing supervision and intermittent or unscheduled nursing care, but does not provide 24-hour skilled nursing care as is provided in a nursing facility.
Adult Day Care Centre – Supplies health, social supportive, and recreational services to adults with disabilities for more than four hours per day. Participants do not stay in the centre overnight and continue to live in their own homes.
House Care Agency – Provides skilled care and personal care services to clients in their residences. It consists of licensed services such as those supplied by a registered or licensed practical nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, respiratory therapist, or social worker.