Question:
Can a hospital (not the surgeon) refuse medicaid payment?

I understand the process for medicaid approval. I'm just curious as to whether or not the hospital not accept my daughter as a surgical patient because she has medicaid?    — LaDonna S. (posted on May 7, 2003)

May 7, 2003
I am an insurance agent but we typically don't deal with the medicaid end of things. From my work in a nursing home, I think if it is privately funded, they can refuse patients on medicaid, but don't take that as gospel. I think it is the government run hospitals that have to take medicaid patients.
   — Sharon B.

May 7, 2003
I'm on Medicaid in Ohio. I do think a private hospital can refuse to accept Medicaid, but to be sure call the Medicaid Consumer Hotline...Every state should have one, it may be listed on the medical card itself, if not call the caseworker and ask for the number.
   — Sarahlicious

May 7, 2003
It depends on whether the hospital has a Medicaid contract or not. You can always call the hospital and find out. Also, if your state Medicaid is operating on the "HMO" style Medicaid, make sure when you ask about Medicaid that you are mentioning the plan you are on. In Texas, there are 7 Medicaid HMO's plus traditional. A provider (hosp, physician, etc.) can elect to not accept Medicaid or only accept certain of the HMO's. Or call your Medicaid office. Good luck.
   — Liz R.

May 9, 2003
MEDICAID IS ONLY ACCEPTED IN THE STATE, IN WHICH YOU RECIEVE IT, UNLESS THE STATE APPROVES PAYMENT IN ADVANCE TO ANOTHER STATE.
   — DEBBIE C.