Hi kellygirl,
Here is a site that explains medicaid coverage by state:
www.medicaidbenefits.kff.org/state_main.jsThere is inpatient psychiatric care for under 21: Medicaid refers to RTC's as PRTF's.
Inpatient Psychiatric Services, under age 21Inpatient Psychiatric Services for individuals under age 21 must be provided under a physician's direction. They may be provided in a freestanding psychiatric hospital or distinct part psychiatric unit of a general hospital or in an appropriately accredited private residential treatment facility (PRTF). If services commence before the individual reaches age 21, they may continue until the earliest of his or her 22nd birthday or the services are no longer required. Admissions often require prior approval, and periodic recertification of a resident's continued need for care may be required as well.
Some states allow payment to these psychiatric facilities to hold or save a bed during a resident's brief acute hospitalization and/or for therapeutic leaves of absence to visit family and friends if medically appropriate. Some states also allow leave days for residents to transition to a community setting. The number of days allowed is identified where applicable. Additional days of leave would require prior approval. Payment for leave days is often at a reduced rate.
States typically reimburse these psychiatric facilities on a "per diem" basis. The per diem may be a standard rate applicable to all facilities, may be facility-specific, or may vary by facility size or location. Generally, a reference in the table to "cost based payment" means there is a year-end facility-specific settlement process, while "prospective payment" means there is not such a process although the payment rates are based on historical cost.
