I Have Medicare Can I Apply For Medicaid

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What Does Medicaid Cover In Florida

Do I Have to Apply for Medicare?

The amount and type of services that will be covered by Medicaid will depend on things like how old the beneficiary is, which program the beneficiary is actually enrolled in, and even the type of services that will be necessary medically. These services might include community behavioral health, prescription medications, visual, dental, transportation, hospice, nursing home, home health care, family planning, hospital, doctor visits, and more.

Q If I Have Private Health Insurance Can I Be Eligible For Medicaid

A. It depends. If your income is low, and you have minor children, you and your children can have private health insurance and still be eligible for Medicaid. Certain Medicaid qualifying programs require that you not have any other health insurance in order for you to get Medicaid. If you have both private health insurance and Medicaid, you should show both your Medicaid card and your private health insurance card to your medical provider each time you receive services.

Q How Can I Find Out If I Can Get Medicaid

A. You can find out if you qualify for Medicaid or other medical assistance and social service programs by speaking with a representative at your local State Service Center. Call Medicaid Customer Relations at 1-800-372-2022 or 255-9500 to be directed to the appropriate office where someone can help you.

Also Check: How Much Can You Make To Be Eligible For Medicaid

Do You Need Medicare Part B

Ever wonder if you really need Medicare Part B? For most people over 65 the answer is: Yes, you need to enroll in Part B and you should do so when first eligible. If you miss your Part B deadline, you could be subject to penalties. Check out our Medicare deadline Calculator here

When to enroll in Medicare Part B largely depends on whether you has qualifying job-based or retirement insurance that can act in place of Part B. If so you may be able to waive Part B due since you have credible coverage through work. If you dont have access to credible coverage from a work or spouse, it is usually recommended that you enroll in Medicare Part B when first eligible .

Even if you have retirement insurance, you may still have to enroll in Part B. Most retirement programs require it. Check with your HR team and confirm your situation. Make sure that if you waive Medicare Part B due to retirement insurance, that you are not subject to Part B penalties if you enroll later.

For those who have retirement coverage, You have 8 months to enroll in Medicare once you stop working OR your employer coverage ends . If you do not enroll in Part B within 8 months of losing your coverage based on current employment, you may have to pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty and have a gap in coverage.

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If I Have Other Health Insurance Do I Need Part B

How to Apply for Medicare &  Medicaid

65 Incorporated came across this question from a Medicare beneficiary.

I just heard that if I have other insurance, I need only Medicare Part A. Part B is not necessary. Is this true?

It depends on the type of insurance an individual has. If the insurance is a COBRA or individual policy, or retiree coverage provided by a union or employer, enrollment in both Part A, hospital insurance, and Part B, medical insurance, is necessary. These types of insurance are secondary to Medicare, paying for any covered care after Medicare has paid its share.

But if the insurance comes through current employment of either the beneficiary or his or her spouse with a large employer , Medicare recommends enrollment in premium-free Part A. Part B enrollment is not necessary. When this coverage ends, Medicare provides special periods to enroll in Part B and obtain other coverage, such as a Part D prescription drug plan, a Medigap policy, or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare out-of-pocket costs

Nearly three-fourths of middle-income Boomers under age 65 do not know that Medicare comes with out-of-pocket costs.

Think you know Medicare? Put your knowledge to the test!

Medicare is a national health insurance program that covers millions of people and involves an even greater number of healthcare providers and services. Its size alone invites confusion and misinformation. Find out if you can identify Medicare fact from fiction.

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How Medicaid Works With Other Coverage

You may still qualify for Medicaid even if you have other health insurance coverage, and coordination of benefits rules decide who pays your bill first. In this case, your private insurance, whether through Medicare or employer-sponsored, will be the primary payer and pays your health care provider first. Medicaid comes in as second insurance to settle what your private insurance doesnt pay, up to its limit.

If you have both Medicaid and private health insurance, you should show both your private health insurance card and Medicaid card to your medical provider every time you receive services.

A health-service provider who accepts both your Medicaid and private insurance card wont bill you for copayments or deductibles.

Any money received from an insurance company or as compensation for a medical care lawsuit must be used to pay the health provider. If Medicaid already has covered the cost of care, you must make a refund to Medicaid. If your private insurance is through an employer-sponsored plan, you may be an eligible candidate for the Health Insurance Premium Payment program. HIPP is a voluntary program that may pay your insurance premium as long as you or a family member qualifies for Medicaid coverage.

If your service provider wont take your Medicaid and private insurance card, your insurance company may help you locate a doctor in its provider network.

How Do I Qualify For Medicare And Medicaid Programs

Luckily for many, the qualifications outlined by Medicare and Medicaid are cut-and-dry, meaning youll have a great understanding of whether youre eligible before you begin the application process. Those who are eligible for Medicares services typically tend to be at least 65 years old. However, you may also qualify for Medicare before the age of 65 if you have been receiving Social Security disability for 24 months, have Lou Gehrigs disease or end-stage renal disease.

Those who have already been receiving Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B upon the month they turn 65. Additional coverage options will then be made available for those who are interested. Those who need to manually enroll themselves into a Medicare program can do so through the Social Security Administration . They can enroll through the SSA website, calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting their local Social Security office.

After becoming a part of the Medicare program, enrollees can expect to receive welcome packages with their new Medicare card, also known as the Red, White & Blue Card, included. Its important to keep this card close so that you can protect yourself from Medicare fraud, as well as those who could scam you, as many seniors fall victim to scams as it relates to Medicare.

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Medicare Can Pull You Out Of The Coverage Gap

Although the transition from expanded Medicaid to Medicare can be financially challenging, eligibility for Medicare will likely come as a welcome relief if youve been in the coverage gap in one of the 11 states that have refused to expand Medicaid.

Being in the coverage gap means you have an income below the federal poverty level. Once you transition to Medicare so as long as your assets dont disqualify you youll be eligible for the most robust MSP, which covers Original Medicares premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.

Even if your assets do make you ineligible for an MSP, you could still enroll in Original Medicare or a zero-premium Medicare Advantage plan and pay just $148.50/month in premiums .

And although its not an ideal solution, you do have the option to reject Part B and just enroll in Part A, which is premium-free as long as you or your spouse have worked at least 10 years in the U.S. and paid Medicare taxes.

Although the asset tests in most states might still put an MSP or full Medicaid coverage out of reach once you transition to Medicare, the option to have health coverage for under $160/month is far better than the alternatives that exist for most people under age 65 in the coverage gap.

In most states, unsubsidized premiums for ACA-compliant coverage are three times a high for a 64-year-old versus a 21-year-old, and people in the coverage gap are not eligible for any financial assistance with their coverage.

How To Qualify For Both Medicare And Medicaid

How do I qualify for Medicaid Financially?

Medicare is health insurance for adults aged 65 or older and those with certain disabilities. Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare is not end-to-end healthcare. In fact, from the beginning, Medicare was designed to cover only about 80 percent of a beneficiarys major medical expenses. All other costs, typically in the form of deductiblesA deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share…., coinsuranceCoinsurance is a percentage of the total you are required to pay for a medical service. …, and copaymentsA copayment, also known as a copay, is a set dollar amount you are required to pay for a medical service…., are the beneficiarys responsibility.

When a beneficiaryA person who has health care insurance through the Medicare or Medicaid programs…. cannot afford some or all of these costs, due to limited income at or below the federal poverty level, theres MedicaidMedicaid is a public health insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals in the United States….. Medicaid provides healthcare assistance for low-income families and individuals. Medicaid beneficiaries pay very low copays when receiving care under this program.

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Where Can I Find A Medicare Advantage Plan When Im On Medicaid

Generally, it may be best to check with insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans in your area to see if they offer Dual-Eligible SNPs or any Medicare Advantage plans that you may be eligible for while youre on Medicaid.

If you need help finding a Medicare Advantage plan when youre on Medicaid, I can help you. Use the links below to arrange a phone call with me or have me email you customized information. You can compare Medicare Advantage plans right away by clicking the Find Plans button on this page.

New To Medicare?

Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.

Q What Documents Will I Need To Provide When I Apply

A. You will need to provide verification of your income. You do not need to provide proof of your assets or resources or come into our offices to be interviewed unless you are applying for one of the Long Term Care Medicaid programs .

If you are pregnant, you will need to provide proof that you are pregnant. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide proof of your alien status. For example, you can provide a copy of your green card.

If you apply online using ASSIST, a web page at the end of the application will tell you exactly what documents must be sent by mail to support the application you are submitting, and the appropriate mailing address.

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Qualifying For Different Types Of Coverage

Medicare is a federal insurance program that helps pay medical bills from a fund to which users have contributed. It covers people 65 and older, people younger than 65 with certain disabilities and patients with end-stage kidney disease and other conditions requiring dialysis. Participants usually pay part of the cost.

Medicaid is an assistance program provided jointly by federal and state agencies. It helps with medical expenses for eligible people with limited income and resources.

There are different rules for each state, but in most states, you may be eligible for Medicaid if you are under certain income levels and/or are:

  • 65 and older
  • A parent or adult caring for a child
  • An adult with dependent children
  • An eligible immigrant

Participants usually pay nothing for covered medical costs, although they may sometimes be responsible for a small copayment or cost share.

Already Enrolled In Medicare

How to Apply for Medicare

If you have Medicare, you can get information and services online. Find out how to .

If you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and you want to enroll in Part B, please complete form CMS-40B, Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B . If you are applying for Medicare Part B due to a loss of employment or group health coverage, you will also need to complete form CMS-L564, Request for Employment Information.

You can use one of the following options to submit your enrollment request under the Special Enrollment Period:

  • Fax or mail your CMS-40B, CMS-L564, and secondary evidence to your local Social Security office .
  • Note: When completing the forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564

    • State I want Part B coverage to begin in the remarks section of the CMS-40B form or online application.
    • If possible, your employer should complete Section B.
    • If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion as best as you can on behalf of your employer without your employers signature and submit one of the following forms of secondary evidence:
      • Income tax form that shows health insurance premiums paid.
      • W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions.
      • Pay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions.
      • Health insurance cards with a policy effective date.
      • Explanations of benefits paid by the GHP or LGHP.
      • Statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums.

    Some people with limited resources and income may also be able to get .

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    Who Is Eligible For Medicaid

    You may qualify for free or low-cost care through Medicaid based on income and family size.

    In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In some states the program covers all low-income adults below a certain income level.

    Even if you were told you didn’t qualify for Medicaid in the past, you may qualify under the new rules. You can see if you qualify for Medicaid 2 ways:

    • Visit your state’s Medicaid website. Use the drop-down menu at the top of this page to pick your state. You can apply right now and find out if you qualify. If you qualify, coverage can begin immediately.
    • Fill out an application in the Health Insurance Marketplace. When you finish the application, we’ll tell you which programs you and your family qualify for. If it looks like anyone is eligible for Medicaid and/or CHIP, we’ll let the state agency know so you can enroll.

    Q If I Dont Qualify For Medicaid Is There Any Other Help For Me Or My Children

    A. Yes. Many organizations in Delaware are dedicated to the principle that health care should never be beyond the reach of those who need it. If you need health care, but do not have insurance coverage, the people at the Delaware HelpLine have a wealth of information about organizations that provide health care at reduced rates for uninsured individuals. Call the Delaware HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-464-HELP from Monday Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Delaware Helpline service is also available in Spanish. Additional information about the support provided by the Delaware Helpline can also be found by visiting www.delawarehelpline.org.

    For example, you may qualify to receive discounted medical services through the Community Healthcare Access Program . CHAP helps connect uninsured individuals with affordable health care from primary care doctors, medical specialists, and other health providers including prescription programs, laboratory and radiology services. To find out more about this program, visit the website for the Community Healthcare Access Program, or call 1-800-996-9969 for eligibility guidelines.

    You can read about CHAP and other healthcare resources for uninsured individuals in the Delaware Healthcare Resource Guide. This guide is also available in Spanish: Guía de Recursos de Salud.

    Under 18:

    Over 65:

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    Medicare Services & Fees

    Eligible recipients of Medicare have a choice. They may enroll into either Original Medicare or into a private health plan known as Medicare Advantage . All plans cover the same basic Medicare-covered health services, but there are differences in premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and provider networks. People should carefully consider their own situations before choosing. If their needs change, people may also change plans during the Open Enrollment period each year.

    People enrolling in Original Medicare should also consider enrolling in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan , also known as Part D, to cover their outpatient prescription drugs. Most Medicare Advantage Plans already cover prescription drugs.

    Below is more detail on coverage provided by Medicare parts A, B, C and D:

    Original Medicare members can also enroll in Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, which fills in the gaps not covered by Original Medicare. Medigap is offered by private, approved insurance companies. These plans pay for costs such as coinsurance, copayments and deductibles.

    In Connecticut, a Medigap cannot be used as a stand-alone plan, and is designed to be used in combination with Parts A and B. These plans do not provide prescription drug benefits. The state offers up to 10 standardized policy options, each labeled with a letter. All plans of the same letter offer the same benefits, no matter which insurance company offers the plan.

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