Basic Information For Eligible Ones In Medicare With Medicaid

By Linda Meyer


Medicare is the insurance program by the federal government that provides health coverage for people 65 years old or older, or have a severe disability without considering the income. Medicaid is the assistance program by the state and the federal government that provides health coverage for low income individuals. Qualifying for both of these programs is possible if the requirements are met.

The former requires small monthly premiums and pay parts of the medical cost while the latter does not need to pay anything except on rare occasions that needs copayment. Getting Medicare with Medicaid Tampa is helpful for people that has a hard time in paying their healthcare bills. Beneficiaries qualifying for both are called dual eligible.

If you are one then you can qualify for benefits with Medicare Savings Programs that are run by states and gives coverage for certain copayments, deductible and premiums. The type of assistance depends on the income of the qualified person and the particular MSP. You would be automatically qualified for Medicare Extra Help that helps with the cost of prescription drugs.

If your Part A on Medicare has under it the skilled need then you could get the home care that makes you qualified for getting at home a physical therapy or nursing. Those having difficulties in going out without assistance in their house would find this helpful. Examples of skills are monitoring blood pressure, care for wound and monitoring symptoms such as shortness of breath or pain.

If a medical equipment is what you need like canes or walkers then Part B can help you though you have to get from the doctor a prescription first. Wheelchairs are only covered usually when they are required for getting around the house. Equipment used in monitoring diabetics like glucose monitors and test strips are also covered here.

Part D has several plans available within every state and each one have a list of their own for which drugs are covered. If you need chronic medications then asking your pharmacist or comparing plans might be helpful for finding out which one is most beneficial. Part A pays usually for services in palliative care in hospitals while Part B is for outpatient visits.

Some states have innovative waiver programs in Medicaid allowing one of your family members in becoming a paid caregiver. Visit your local office to check if your place is among those included and then learn more in ways of becoming one. Medicaid pays also for equipment and supplies like special toilet seats, diapers, grab bars and absorbent pads.

Many nursing homes have only a specific number of beds meant for Medicaid beneficiaries so you may not choose one that you like. If you got some money of your own before qualifying then use them first to find a suitable nursing home and pay them yourself for a few months. This will help you get the bed you chose among the available ones.

Remember to immediately sign up for these programs specially with Medicare which has a penalty that raises your premiums by ten percent per year. Even when you got delayed for just a month, it would be counted as one whole year. And after you sign up, you will wait for some months before the coverage is activated.




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