Pay therapist because plan is slow?

My son is covered by Medicaid, and he’s been getting speech therapy.  The therapist has hinted that I should be paying, because it takes so long for her to get paid.  Should I?  My son really likes the therapist, so I want to keep things positive with her.

Speechless

Dear Speechless,

To your son’s speech therapist, you say one word: no.  A provider who accepts Medicaid has agreed to certain rules. One of those rules is that the provider cannot charge the patient for services that will be paid for by Medicaid – no matter how long it takes.  The provider can only charge the patient a co-pay, if there is one.

You can sympathize with the therapist – yes, it’s tough to have to wait for money.  But you should not pay her.

 

Linda Riddell

About Linda Riddell

A published author and health policy analyst with 25 years’ experience, Linda Riddell's goal is to alleviate the widespread ailment of not knowing what your health plan can do for you.