Does Medicaid Cover Service Dogs or Therapy Animals?
Medicaid and its related programs cover services that support independent living like transportation, moving expenses, and home modifications. It’s reasonable to wonder, “Does Medicaid pay for emotional support dogs or provide coverage for service animals?”
Who should have a service dog or emotional support animal?
The general public has mixed support for, and understanding of, service and therapy dogs, but that doesn’t undermine their effectiveness.
Disability service animals like seeing-eye dogs are indispensable to their owners. Therapy animals who provide support to those suffering from invisible disorders like dementia, depression, and schizophrenia have valid claims to receive the benefits of animal companionship, too.*
How much does it cost to get a service animal?
Raising and training a service animal is a long process that requires extensive hands-on work by a certified expert. Even the most generous service dog trainers must charge, and a modest bill from a service animal trainer is still well outside many Medicaid recipients’ out-of-pocket means.
The cost varies regionally but service animals cost thousands of dollars to train and pair with the right owner. Unfortunately, Medicaid coverage for service dogs, therapy animals, and other disability assistance animals does not match the value they provide to their humans.
There is hope for people hoping to get help paying for a service dog or therapy animal. Programs exist to connect people with service animals, such as:
Can I find help getting a therapy animal or service dog?
Your Medicaid benefits may indirectly cover the cost of a therapy animal or emotional support animal. Many Medicaid beneficiaries receive a lump sum of back benefits at the commencement of their coverage. Recipients must spend their assets lest they be over-resourced, so an animal is a great investment of those funds. The same goes for ongoing veterinary, feeding, and grooming expenses as part of your monthly Medicaid spend-down.
The American Kennel Club maintains an up-to-date list of recognized therapy dog organizations you can browse to find a therapy dog trainer near you. Having a service or therapy animal will make a positive impact on your life. Taking the time to find assistance for an animal is well worth it!
Therapy dog placement is not within our wheelhouse but we DO help seniors and people with physical disabilities in New York get coverage for and connect with services covered by the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion waiver program. Plus, the services of a Certified Medicaid Planner ensure you spend efficiently month to month including spending on your cherished animal.
Book a free consultation and learn how a Certified Medicaid planner can help you get benefits and services to live independently.