CT 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 CT Medicaid plans have at least one Stamford-based walk-in clinic that accepts Medicaid. In fact, all AFC Urgent Care centers in Connecticut accept Medicaid as a form of payment for a variety of healthcare services.

Would you like to know more about how urgent care can help you with a variety of medical needs? Or perhaps, you are not sure if your healthcare plan is sponsored through CT Medicaid? At AFC Urgent Care Stamford, we'll break down what all patients should understand about CT Medicaid-sponsored insurance plans, and how we can help any family locate an urgent care center that accepts CT 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.

In Connecticut, there are two types of Medicaid programs people can enroll in. The first is Husky Health Connecticut, 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 Connecticare and Anthen Blue Cross at Blue Shield of CT.

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.

COVID-19 Testing and CT Medicaid Coverage

AFC Urgent Care Stamford provides local and nearby patients with Medicaid-covered urgent care. But, did you know that your Medicaid coverage also covers COVID-19 testing? In fact, federal mandates state that Medicaid lab coverage includes COVID-19 testing as an essential benefit.

Medicaid patients near any AFC Urgent Care Stamford clinic can receive rapid testing, antibody testing, and swab testing for COVID-19. Simply book an appointment online and speak with our providers.

CT Medicaid beneficiaries can get COVID-related testing and care whenever they need it. Make sure you book today online to quickly get tested!

Which health benefits does CT Medicaid provide me?

According to Husky Health Connecticut, 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 walk-in clinics are approved as Medicaid providers, patients can 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 CT 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.