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Medical Assistance & Home Care

The Department of Social Services is responsible for the needs assessment, programmatic eligibility determination and authorization of a wide range of medical/home care services to Medicaid recipients.

 

Home Care

What are Home Care Services?
All home care services are designed to insure the health and safety of elderly, infirm, or disabled individuals by providing a range of home based services which assist in maintaining the recipient at home. Home care services are physician ordered and supervised by a registered nurse. Licensed providers under contract with and monitored by Department of Social Services, are responsible for service delivery.

How can I apply for Home Care Services?
Eligibility for all home care programs is determined by the Office of Long Term Care, 107 Nott Terrace, Suite 305, Schenectady, NY  12308.

What if I need Nursing Home Care?
Chronic Care Medical Assistance is a financial service available to meet the cost of nursing home care.  The medicaid staff conduct eligibility interviews at 797 Broadway, Schenectady, NY; documentation is gathered and reviewed for a financial eligibility determination.  Applications can be obtained and appointments made by calling 518-388-4445.

Managed Care

What is the process for those enrolled in Managed Care Plans?
Medical transportation is available to managed-care members through their Medicaid case.  The managed-care participant must contact Medical Answering Services. Family Health Plus participants may access emergency transportation only through their individual health plan.  Non-emergency transportation is not available.

Medicaid and Child Health Plus

Who is eligible for MEDICAID?
You may be eligible for Medical Assistance if you receive Public Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or if you meet income, resource, age or disability criteria. There are special programs to help if you are pregnant or have a child. If you are pregnant, a worker at the clinic or hospital you are using for prenatal care can assist you to apply for Medicaid. If you have a child, he/she may be eligible for Medicaid, but if Medicaid ineligible may qualify for the NEW YORK STATE CHILD HEALTH PLUS PROGRAM.

What Medical Services are paid for by Medicaid in New York State?

  • dental care
  • drugs (prescription and non-prescription)
  • eyeglasses
  • nursing home care
  • personal care/long term home health care
  • domiciliary care
  • facilities
  • child teen/health program
  • managed care
  • prenatal care
  • family planning
  • laboratory and X-ray services
  • mental health services
  • health insurance and Medicare premium payments

Schenectady County Department of Social Services has a deputized worker program for Ellis Hospital and Albany Medical Center. This program allows people who are hospitalized to apply for Medicaid at that facility.

How can I apply for Medical Assistance or for Child Health Plus?

Applications for Medical Assistance are available and can be filed at the Social Services Main Office, 797 Broadway, Schenectady, NY, 12305.
Applications may also be mailed to the Social Services Main Office at 797 Broadway, Schenectady, New York 12305.
For your convenience, applications for Medicaid and Child Health Plus can be filed at several community based organizations or with one of the following facilitated enrollment groups which have sites throughout Schenectady County:

St. Clare's Family Health Center
Schenectady Community Health Center
Schenectady County Adult Protective Services
Planned Parenthood Clinics
Healthy Capital District Initiative (HCDI) - 518-462-7040
Fidelis Care - 518-427-0481
Catholic Charities - 518-374-5667
Capital District Physician's Health Plan

 

Medical Transportation

What are Medical Transportation Services?
These services are provided under the Medicaid program to SSI and Medicaid eligible individuals for the purpose of accessing medical care.

What are the modes of Medical Transportation?
Bus, taxi, ambulette, ambulance, and mileage for private cars are usual.

Who determines the correct mode of transportation?
Determination is made by the patient's physician and/or medical practitioner in conjunction with prescribed guidelines. Medical Answering Services provides all Medicaid Transportation for Schenectady County DSS.

How do I get approval for medical transportation?
Medical transportation is obtained through Medical Answering Services at 1-855-852-3291.