Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Services (EPSDT) - Health Insurance

Compare personalized health insurance rates in your area

What is Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Services (EPSDT) in Health Insurance?

<lingo>The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Services, or EPSDT, is a type of benefit provided under the federal Medicaid program to children who are under the age of 21. This component of the Medicaid program is designed to provide the specific care that children need. It includes all medically necessary treatment including services related to mental health, developmental needs, physical screenings, and dental screenings.</lingo>

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Services (EPSDT) Clearly and Briefly Explained

If you have a child under the age of 21, he or she may qualify for Medicaid if income and other requirements are met. The EPSDT is a type of benefit that child can receive under Medicaid. It allows for children who qualify to receive care for all of their medical and mental health needs. This benefit requires states – which manage Medicaid – to provide access to those services that the organization deems are necessary.

 

The overall goal of EPSDT is to determine if there are any childhood health problems or needs as soon as possible, in the hopes of being able to treat them as soon as possible to avoid serious or disabling results.

 

<twitter>The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Services, or EPSDT, is a type of benefit provided under the federal Medicaid program to children who are under the age of 21.</twitter>

 

 

You should be given information and insight about this benefit if you qualify for Medicaid for your children. Then, children are able to be screened at timelines considered reasonable. It also helps to manage diagnosis and treatment of any problems that are found during this process. The state holds the responsibility to screen for these needs as well as to informing parents of their right to access this program benefit. They are also required to provide diagnosis and treatment services of medical conditions, provide for inpatient psychiatric care for those who need to do so, and provide school-based free care. 

 

Other key features include the state’s requirement to provide home and community based service waiver programs as needed. The services provided under this benefit do not have to provide a cure – they can still be covered if they provide a benefit, such as for occupational therapy or physical needs.

 

<zipcode>Get the best rates in your area and start saving:</zipcode>