What Does It Mean When You Are Medically Frail

The term “medically frail” refers to an individual with chronic health conditions, including people with mental health and substance use disorders. A medically frail designation can expand the scope of services available to enrollees.

Is medically frail a disability?

The medical frailty determination is intended to protect coverage for enrollees who have physical and/or mental health needs but do not qualify for Medicaid based on a disability. … Federal regulations set out the general criteria that define medical frailty (Box 1).

What is considered medically fragile in adults?

Medically Fragile Adults An individual who who has a serious ongoing illness or a chronic physical condition that has lasted or is anticipated to last for more than 12 months or has required more than one month’s hospitalization is considered medically fragile.