Can I Qualify For Both Medicare And Medicaid
Certain people can be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. This is called dual eligibility. Individuals who are dual-eligible qualify for Medicare because of age or disability and meet low income requirements.
Most people who are dual-eligible use Medicare for their primary coverage and have Medicaid as supplemental insurance. In some cases, Medicaid may cover certain services that Medicare does not.
The Difference Between Medicare And Medicaid
If youve ever wondered what the difference is between Medicare and Medicaid, youre certainly not alone. Its one of the most common questions we hear from patients.
While they may sound similar, there are many differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Lets break down the essential details about each plan and how they differ in who or what they cover.
Cons To Medicare Advantage Vs Medicare Supplements
Medicare Advantage
On the surface, Advantage plans are appealing. But, whats great about having a narrow network of doctors? In the future, a strict doctor network could be nothing short of frustration. Further, most Advantage plans dont cover you outside the service area. So, you could pay 100% of the bill for the care you accept out of state. While the plans include dental, vision, and hearing, the benefits are basic. Most policies dont include comprehensive dental care. Also, you may need a referral to see a specialist with most Advantage plans. With all the rules and regulations, it raises the question, are Medicare Advantage plans bad?
Medicare Supplements
Now, for Medigap, the list of cons is much smaller. Medicare Supplement plans dont include Part D or other ancillary benefits. Further, Medigap plans can have a high premium depending on the policy and location of the beneficiary.
We understand Medicare is a complex web of details so, Im going to tell you a few possible scenarios to display the differences of Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplements.
Read Also: What Is The Average Premium For Medicare Advantage Plans
Which One Is Better
Both Medicare Advantage and Medigap provide advantages and disadvantages.
Some advantages of Medicare Advantage include:
- More coverage and benefits, which can include services like gym memberships, long-term care, and disability equipment
- Lower premiums
- An all-in-one plan which covers Medicare Part A, B, and D
Some disadvantages of Medicare Advantage include:
- Having to make sure your preferred provider is in your plan
- No coverage while traveling
- A likelihood of higher out-of-pocket and emergency costs
Some advantages of Medigap plans include:
- Fewer out-of-pocket expenses
- Access to all providers who accept Medicare
- Coverage while traveling overseas
Some disadvantages of Medigap plans include:
- Higher monthly premiums
- Having to navigate the different types of plans
- No prescription coverage
Medicare Advantage Vs Medicare Supplement: The Basics
Medicare Supplement insurance plans go alongside Original Medicare and help pay for out-of-pocket costs not typically covered by Original Medicare. Since Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum, a Medicare Supplement plan could give you a safety net against high medical costs if you face a serious health setback.
Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Supplement insurance plans typically cover the prescription drugs you take at home. If you want coverage for most prescription drugs, you will generally need to combine Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement insurance plan with a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
You coverage with a Medicare Supplement insurance plan and a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan could look like this:
Medicare medical and hospital insurance + Medicare Supplement + stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage = comprehensive Medicare coverage
This combination of insurance is quite comprehensive. You still may have some out-of-pocket Medicare costs. You generally pay separate premiums for Medicare Part B, Medicare Supplement insurance, and Medicare prescription drug coverage.
You coverage with a Medicare Advantage plans could look like this:
Medicare medical and hospital insurance + Medicare prescription drug coverage = comprehensive Medicare coverage
Don’t Miss: How Much Is Medicare Copay For A Doctor’s Visit
What Services Does Medicare Cover
There are 4 different parts to Medicare. Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A and Part B .
Original Medicare pays for much, but not all of the cost for health careservices and supplies.
As a result, there are Medicare Supplement Insurance policies that are soldby private companies.
These policies can help pay some of the remaining health care costs, likecopayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Medicaid Eligibility And Costs
The federal/state partnership results in different Medicaid programs for each state. Through the Affordable Care Act , which was signed into law in 2010, President Barack Obama attempted to expand healthcare coverage to more Americans. As a result, all legal residents and citizens of the United States with incomes of up to 138% of the poverty line qualify for coverage in Medicaid participating states.
While the ACA has worked to expand both federal funding and eligibility for Medicaid, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states are not required to participate in the expansion in order to continue receiving already established levels of Medicaid funding. Many states have chosen not to expand funding levels and eligibility requirements.
Those covered by Medicaid pay nothing for covered services. Unlike Medicare, which is available to nearly every American of 65 years and over, Medicaid has strict eligibility requirements that vary by state.
However, because the program is designed to help the poor, many states require Medicaid recipients to have no more than a few thousand dollars in liquid assets in order to participate. There are also income restrictions. For a state-by-state breakdown of eligibility requirements, visit Medicaid.gov and BenefitsCheckUp.org.
Read Also: What Is Medicare Premium Assistance
Is Medicare The Same Thing As Medicaid
Although they sound similar, Medicare and Medicaid are not the same. The only similarity is that both government programs help cover healthcare costs for Americans.
Medicaid is designed for people that fall into a certain income bracket, while Medicare is for people over the age of 65 or for those that have been on disability for two years, explains Grant Dodge, a broker at Health Benefits Associates Inc., in Reno, Nevada.
Medicaid does not have an age requirement, so adults of all ages and dependent children can enroll. In 2021, there were 75.4 million people covered with Medicaid. Medicaid plans are administered by the states but funded jointly by the state and federal government.
Medicare is a federal program managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services . The Social Security Administration handles Medicare enrollment and premium payments. It has an age requirement unless youve been on disability for 24 months or have specific medical conditions. Once you have both parts of Medicare from the federal government , you can sign up for additional coverage with private insurance carriers to fill in the gaps of Medicare, explains Dodge.
Do You Have To Pay A Part A Premium
Many people don’t pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A. For example, if you worked at least ten years while paying taxes, you don’t pay a premium for Part A. If you worked for fewer than 30 quarters, you generally pay $471 per month in 2021. If you worked more than 30 but fewer than 40 quarters, your premium is $259 per month in 2021.
Also Check: What Month Does Medicare Coverage Begin
Who Qualifies For Medicare Medicaid
Medicaid is a health care program available to people who may not be eligible for Medicare. The qualifications for Medicaid vary by state, but it generally applies to individuals and families with very low incomes or limited assets.
In order to qualify for Medicaid you must meet the specific criteria in your state, which includes how much money you make and what type of assets you have .
If youre considering applying for Medicaid because of financial means alone, please consult your local Social Security office before filling out any paperwork or submitting an online application eligibility requirements vary depending on where you live.
Who Runs The Social Security System
The United States government, not individuals or businesses, runs the Social Security system. It tracks Social Security earnings and benefits, runs the website that lets people check their benefits record, approves or denies retirement benefit applications, collects Social Security taxes, and distributes retirement, disability, and other benefits.
While the government does hire independent contractorssuch as Lockheed Martin Corporation, International Business Machines Corp., Dell, et al.to provide telecommunications, data storage, and other services, the government is in full control of Social Security.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Your Social Security Card Fast
You May Like: What Is The Medicare Supplement Plan
When Was Medicare Established
President Harry S. Truman called for Congress to work towards enacting a form of universal health care, but eventually backed away under calls of socialism from the opposition. By this time, the government had realized the populations and needs of older Americans were growing, so they began to focus on a health insurance program aimed at covering these people.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the debate over how to handle the inadequate coverage of private insurers to those who desperately need the help intensified. Over these years, debates were held in the Social Security Administration and Congress, as well as having public hearings on the matter. On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Social Security Acts Amendment into law with President Truman as an homage to the work he had done in the early years of this effort.
Medicare Advantage Vs Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
Are you trying to decide between Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement insurance? Heres a rundown of the two types of coverage.
While Original Medicare covers many health-care expenses, it doesnt cover everything. Even with covered health-cares services, beneficiaries are still responsible for a number of copayments and deductibles, which can easily add up. In addition, Medicare Part A and Part B also dont cover certain benefits, such as routine vision and dental, prescription drugs, or overseas emergency health coverage. If all you have is Original Medicare, youll need to pay for these costs out-of-pocket.
As a result, many people with Medicare enroll in two types of plans to cover these gaps in coverage. There are two options commonly used to replace or supplement Original Medicare. One option, called Medicare Advantage plans, are an alternative way to get Original Medicare. The other option, Medicare Supplement insurance plans work alongside your Original Medicare coverage. These plans have significant differences when it comes to costs, benefits, and how they work. Its important to understand these differences as you review your Medicare coverage options.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does Medicare Pay For Hospice
Medicare Disability Vs Medicaid Disability:
If youre disabled, the question of whether Medicare disability or Medicaid disability is right for you may feel even more complicated because there are a few more steps and rules to consider.
Essentially, if youre disabled and are approved for Social Security disability insurance benefits, you will be eligible to receive Medicare, but not until after youve received 24 months of payments. So while your SSDI eventually gives you access to receiving Medicare benefits, it may be two years before thats a legitimate option for you.
However, if youre approved for Supplemental Security Income youll be immediately eligible to receive Medicaid. There is no waiting period for SSI recipients to receive Medicaid. In most states, once youre determined to be eligible for SSI, youll automatically be enrolled in Medicaid.
Unitedhealthcare Dual Complete Plans
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plans contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call TTY 711 for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.
You May Like: Does Medicare Pay For Foot Care
The Key Differences Between Medicaid And Medicare
Medicare and Medicaid are both government sponsored programs that assist with the cost of healthcare. Because the two programs have similar names, people often confuse how they work and the services they provide. While both programs are funded by taxes and were created by the federal government in 1965, the programs and the coverage they provide are very different.
Medicaid is a joint program between federal and state governments that provides medical and long-term care to low income individuals and families. The federal government provides up to 50% of the funding for each states Medicaid program with more affluent states receiving less from the federal government than less affluent states. Because of the partnership between the federal government and each state, there are essentially 50 different Medicaid programs.
Individuals who qualify for Supplemental Security Income through the Social Security Administration are automatically eligible for the insurance portion of Medicaid. Individuals can apply for Medicaid any time throughout the year even if they do not receive SSI.
It is important to note the differences between these programs, and it may be necessary to meet with an attorney to determine whether an individual is accessing the proper healthcare benefits and to insure techniques are properly utilized to allow an individual to become financially eligible for Medicaid.
Pittsburgh, PA1600 Law & Finance Building429 4th AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15219P: 412.313.5510
How Benefits Differ
Medicare and Medicaid dont necessarily cover the same healthcare services.
For example, Medicare doesnt pay for long-term custodial care like permanently living in a nursing home, but Medicaid does pay for long-term care. The majority of nursing home residents in the U.S. are enrolled in Medicaid.
Medicaid benefits vary from state to state, but each states Medicaid program must provide certain minimum benefits.
Medicare benefits are the same across the entire country, although people who purchase private Medicare Advantage plans will find that there’s some variation from plan to plan, and some areas don’t have any Medicare Advantage plans available at all.
Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurers, and although they have to cover all of the basic benefits that Part A and Part B would cover, insurers are free to add additional benefits, which aren’t standardized.
You can learn more about what benefits Medicare provides, as well as what to expect for out-of-pocket expenses in the “Medicare and You” handbook, published each year by the federal government.
Read Also: What Medications Are Covered By Medicare
Is Medicaid Free
Its free to sign up for Medicaid, and coverage is typically free or low-cost. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, it is possible to find a plan through a private insurance carrier with no premiums and little to no out-of-pocket expenses at the doctor, says Dodge. These plans also typically cover extra services like dental, vision, and hearing aids, he adds.
- Featured Sources
How Do I Apply
You can apply for Medicare through the Social Security Administration as soon as you are eligible, which is three months before you turn 65. If you only need Original Medicare, you wont need to re-apply. However, Medicare Advantage Plan members need to enroll every year.
Applying for Medicare can be done through healthcare.gov or your states Medicaid website. You must re-apply every year to show that you still meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Read Also: Does Social Security Automatically Sign You Up For Medicare
What Is Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage, which is also called Part C, is a bundled version of Medicare offered by private insurers. Often, Medicare Advantage plans will include Part A, Part B, and Part D.
Even though Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurers, they are required to meet the base criteria of Parts A, B, and D in their plans, so youll get the same quality coverage as you would with Original Medicare.
However, Medicare Advantage will typically come with more benefits than your basic Original Medicare plans. For one, Part D is usually included, so your prescriptions are covered. And Medicare Advantage can offer extras, like vision, dental, and hearing.
Can You Switch Between Original Medicare And Medicare Advantage
As a final note, no matter which option you decide is right for you, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa. The two main times you can switch are the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period and the Medicare Special Enrollment Period for qualifying life events, if you qualify.
Don’t Miss: Is Eliquis Covered Under Medicare
What Is Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It may cover your care in certain situations, such as:
- Youre admitted to a hospital or mental hospital as an inpatient.
- Youre admitted to a skilled nursing facility and meet certain conditions.
- You qualify for hospice care.
- Your doctor orders home health care for you and you meet the Medicare criteria. Medicare Part A may cover part-time home health care for a limited time.
Even when Medicare Part A covers your care:
- You may have to pay a deductible amount and/or coinsurance or copayment.
- There may be some services you get in a hospital or other setting that Medicare doesnt cover.
- Its possible that your Part A coverage will run out for example, if you stay in the hospital for more than 90 days in a row, you might have to pay all costs. Learn more about Medicare Part A
- Medicare typically wont pay for a private room or non-medical items such as toiletries or a television in your room.
What Is The Downside To Medicare Advantage Plans
The downside to Medicare Advantage really depends on who you are and your health condition. Cost is a potential downside if you dont have assistance from Medicaid or an employer. Referrals are a potential downside if you need frequent care or you want a choice in the providers you use. These downsides do not exist with Original Medicare and a good Medigap policy, such as a Plan F or Plan C.
Another downside to Medicare Advantage is the annual open enrollmentIn health insurance, open enrollment is a period during which a person may enroll in or change their selection of health plan benefits. Health plan enrollment is ordinarily subject to restrictions…. period every Fall. This is when you can choose a new plan, but its also when insurers can change their plans. It is a big task comparing Part C HMO and PPO plans to make sure youre getting the coverage options you need with low health care costs.
Read Also: Does Medicare Cover Skin Removal
