Medicaid patients don't always have the best experience when it comes to finding convenient and accessible healthcare providers. However, patients that are enrolled in Medicaid plans have at least one Houston-based walk-in clinic that accepts Medicaid. In fact, all five AFC Urgent Care Upper Kirby, TX urgent care centers accept Medicaid as a form of payment for a variety of healthcare services.

But are you not sure if your current healthcare plan is sponsored through Medicaid? Do you have questions about how urgent care can help you secure a variety of medical needs at an affordable rate? At AFC Urgent Care Upper Kirby, TX, we'll break down what all patients should understand about Medicaid-sponsored insurance plans, and how we can help any family locate an urgent care center that accepts Medicaid near them.

What is Medicaid? How do I know if I'm covered by Medicaid?

Medicaid is one of the U.S government's public health insurance programs designed to provide anyone who meets certain income requirements with a full year of insurance. Sometimes, Medicaid is confused with Medicare, where Medicare is a similar insurance program that provides insurance to individuals over the age of 65.

Nationally, over 51 million individuals are enrolled in Medicaid health insurance according to enrollment data. As of March of 2019, over 1.2 million individuals in Colorado are enrolled in Medicaid.

In Colorado, there are two types of Medicaid programs people can enroll in. The first is Health First Colorado, which is the state-provided Medicaid program for families and individuals. The second are private Medicaid plans, or "managed care plans," administered through private companies including Houston Health and Rocky Mountain Health.

The majority of healthcare providers are required to accept Medicaid coverage by law for basic healthcare services. However, some providers may not accept Medicaid depending upon the type of service they need. In this instance, patients on Medicaid may want to make sure they have a convenient urgent care center available for their immediate medical needs.

Which health benefits does Medicaid provide me?

According to Health First Colorado, the state's main Medicaid provider, Medicaid benefits for all patients include access to healthcare providers, preventive care and wellness services, laboratory services, maternity services, hospitalization, and many more helpful benefits. Because of current federal health law, Colorodians on Medicaid plans are entitled to essential health benefits for providers that have applied and are authorized to provide care for Medicaid patients.

Since AFC Urgent Care Upper Kirby, TX walk-in clinics are approved as Medicaid providers, patients can then receive a majority of our services for nominal copays. Depending upon your specific Medicaid plan, you could have even more benefits to take advantage of.

Before scheduling an urgent care visit, please contact any of our AFC urgent care locations to determine if there are any benefits you qualify for outside of essential care services. As a reminder, urgent care is not a substitute for an ER whenever you experience a life-threatening emergency.

How Does Urgent Care Help Medicaid Patients Get The Care They Need?

Most urgent care centers and similar walk-in clinics allow patients to get the care they need through a wide variety of healthcare services. The types of medical services offered to patients at local urgent care centers include:

• STD Testing
• Lab Testing
• Injury Treatment
• DOT Physicals
• Sore Throat and Sinus Relief
• Flu Shots
• Travel Vaccines
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Earaches

For Medicaid patients, walk-in clinics and urgent care centers also provide a cost-effective resource for medical care. Compared to emergency rooms and hospitals, a greater proportion of urgent care centers accept Medicaid as a form of payment frequently and offer affordable self-pay rates as needed.

Where can I find an urgent care that accepts Medicaid in Houston, TX?

The good news for Medicaid recipients in Houston is that all of our AFC Urgent Care Upper Kirby, TX locations accept Medicaid health insurance! Simply visit any of our walk-in clinics in Houston to get the healthcare services you need for your family.

The specific types of Medicaid health plans accepted by our AFC locations includes:

• Health First TX
• Rocky Mountain HMO
• Houston Health Medicaid Choice

Medicaid patients shouldn't have to wait to get urgent healthcare services. These patients deserve a fast, affordable, and convenient healthcare provider that addresses all their unique medical requirements. Contact us today or book online to get started!