What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps cover healthcare costs for people with limited income and resources. While the federal government sets basic rules, each state runs its own Medicaid program, so eligibility, coverage, and program names can vary by state.
Many states manage their Medicaid programs through private insurance companies, so your Medicaid card may display a commercial brand like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or United Healthcare, even though it is technically Medicaid.
For example:
California Medicaid: Medi-Cal
Washington Medicaid: Apple Health
Oregon Medicaid: Oregon Health Authority
Colorado Medicaid: Health First Colorado
Why Circle Medical Cannot Accept Medicaid
Circle Medical is not contracted with Medicaid, which means we're unable to see patients who have Medicaid coverage. Medicaid is administered separately by each state, and we’re not currently contracted with those state programs.
As a result, we cannot provide care to patients who have Medicaid, even if they opt for self-pay or use another form of insurance.
Seeing a provider who isn’t in-network with Medicaid, even if you opt into self-pay or use another insurance, can put your Medicaid coverage at risk.
While one visit may not immediately impact your benefits, ongoing care with a non-contracted provider may result in Medicaid suspending or revoking your coverage, regardless of how you pay.
Medicare vs. Medicaid: What’s the Difference?
Medicare and Medicaid may sound similar, but they’re very different programs, and this difference matters when it comes to getting care.
Medicare (Currently accepted in New York, New Jersey, and California)
Medicare is a federal program with unified benefits and eligibility across all states. It is restricted to people 65 and older, or younger individuals with certain disabilities or health conditions.
Circle Medical is actively working on expanding its Medicare network.
Medicaid (Not accepted)
Medicaid is an income-based joint state and federal program. There is no age requirement for eligibility, and benefits vary by state.
People can qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are known as “dual eligible” or “Medi-Medi.”
If you have both, Circle Medical is unable to provide care at this time.
Questions? Reach out to our Patient Care Team via the chat feature on our HIPAA-compliant mobile app or web portal.