Denali Care and Denali KidCare

edicaid, an entitlement program created by the federal government, is the primary public program for financing basic health and long-term care services for low-income Alaskans. It is funded by federal and state general funds. The program focuses on coverage for low-income children, pregnant women, families, adults without dependent children between the ages of 19 and 64, the elderly, blind and the permanently disabled. The federal government establishes guidelines that requires the state to cover specific categories of people and types of benefits. It is, however, the legislature’s responsibility to determine which services are to be covered, the qualifying standards and the categories of people who will be eligible for benefits under the Medicaid program. Within these guidelines and constraints, the Department of Health Services has considerable flexibility in establishing financial eligibility criteria, benefit packages and payment policies.

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DPA Service Delivery

The Medicaid program is administered by the Division of Health Care Services (DHCS). While DHCS is responsible for program and policy development, the Division of Public Assistance (DPA) is responsible for determining the eligibility of individuals and families in need of Medicaid benefits.

Medical benefits are a crucial component of the safety-net services delivered through DPA. Careful assessment by DPA staff identifies Medicaid program best suited to meet the needs of applicant families and individuals. Division staff determine eligibility and authorize benefits for Family Medicaid, a program intended to meet the medical needs of low-income families. As families transition from welfare to work, DPA staff insure that eligible family members continue to receive Transitional Medicaid benefits. Staff also are responsible for determining eligibility and issuing benefits for infants, children, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled individuals who qualify for one of the other categorical Medicaid programs.

The majority of Medicaid recipients are beneficiaries of other programs and services administered and delivered by DPA. Most recipients of Alaska temporary assistance benefits receive Family Medicaid benefits. Many children, young adults, and elderly or disabled persons receiving Medicaid also receive food stamps or Adult Public Assistance benefits.