How to Find Doctors Who Accept Medicaid

Medicaid is a state-run program that helps children and other families get the medical attention they need. Finding a doctor that accepts Medicaid can be very challenging for the average person, but there are many ways to find a good doctor that will accept Medicaid for you and your family.

• Search the web for your state at the Medicaid site for a list of doctors in your area. The Medicaid website has a search tool that will help you find doctors in your area by entering your city, county and zip code. There is also a section for specialty doctors in your area.


• Arrange a meeting with your doctor to find a specialist in your area that he or she is comfortable with and can provide the service you are requesting. Medicaid requires referrals for any person needing a specialist for a specific illness.


• Obtain a Medicaid doctor by looking in the phone book.  This is the old fashion way to find a doctor or specialist, but it still works. You can get a list of doctors in your area that will take Medicaid, along with specialty doctors in your area.


• Utilize the telephone if you are not familiar with the Internet. Call each doctor and ask if the doctor accepts Medicaid and what the doctor's specialty is.  


• Check with doctors in your area to see if they accept Medicaid and what the requirements are. Some doctors only accept new patients on certain days and certain times. Also, most doctors only take a few Medicaid patients at a time and then there is a waiting list. The reason for this is because Medicaid is run by the State and pays less than most private insurance companies.