Who Qualifies For Medicare Vs Medicaid

Who Qualifies For Medicare Vs Medicaid

Nearly every American will one day qualify for Medicare, but Medicaid is only for those with a low income. Beneficiaries can enroll in Medicaid through the state program office. If you think you are eligible for Medicaid benefits, contact your state health department to apply. To qualify for Medicaid, your income will need to be below a predetermined amount set by your state government.

If your income is above this amount, but you struggle with high medical costs, you may want to check if a Medicaid spend-down program is available in your state. Medicaid spend-down programs allow beneficiaries who exceed the income requirement to deduct their medical costs from their income to meet the state-appointed income requirement.

To qualify for Medicare, you must meet the below requirements:

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Be a U.S. Citizen or documented resident for at least five years AND one of the following:

• Age 65 or above
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis
• Receiving SSDI benefits for at least 24 months

As you can see, eligibility requirements for the two health insurance programs differ. However, some people fit into the cross-section of qualifications. If you qualify for both, the two health programs work together.

The Basics Of Medicare

There are 4 different parts of Medicare:

Original Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, hospice care and home healthcare. Generally, if you have worked and paid Medicare taxes for the past 10 years, you don’t pay a monthly premium for Original Medicare Part A.

Original Medicare Part B helps cover medical visits with doctors and other healthcare providers, outpatient care, home healthcare, durable medical equipment and some preventive services. Most participants pay a monthly premium for Original Medicare Part B.

Part C helps cover services provided for under Original Medicare Part A and Part B and may include prescription drug coverage . Part C is run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.

Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs and may help lower the amount you pay for prescriptions. It’s run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.

Visit Medicare.gov, opens new window for more information.

What Is Medicare What Is Medicaid

Medicare is a federal program generally for people who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability or medical condition. Medicare Part A and Part B are provided by the federal government, and Medicare Part C and Part D, while federally governed, are provided by private insurance companies.

Medicaid is a state government program that helps pay health care costs for people with limited income and resources, and different programs exist for specific populations. Medicaid plans vary from state-to-state but follow federal guidelines for benefits.

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A Of Medicare Benefits Cover The Following Services:

Inpatient hospital care Skilled nursing facility care Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility with the exception of custodial care and long-term care Hospice care

Part B of Medicare covers the following services:

Medically necessary services Mental health services Some outpatient prescription drugs that a health care provider administers

Medicare Advantage plans, also called Medicare Part C, are sold by private insurance companies who contract with Medicare to provide benefits. Each plan is different, but they are all required by federal law to at least provide the same Medicare benefits that are included in Parts A and B of Original Medicare. Many MA plans also include prescription drug coverage, vision, dental, and hearing care, as well as fitness center memberships.

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. If you have Original Medicare, you can enroll in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan or you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

Im On Disability When Will I Be Eligible For Medicare

You may be eligible for Medicare before age 65 if you have a qualifying disability. Eligibility usually starts after youâve received disability benefits for 24 months. You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You may make other coverage choices during your IEP. Your 7-month IEP includes the month you receive your 25th disability check plus the 3 months before and the 3 months after.

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Medicaid Eligibility And Costs

The federal and state partnership results in different Medicaid programs for each state. Through the Affordable Care Act , 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 138% below 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 to continue receiving already established levels of Medicaid funding. As a result, 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 have stringent requirements, including income restrictions. For a state-by-state breakdown of eligibility requirements, visit Medicaid.gov.

When Medicaid recipients reach age 65, they remain eligible for Medicaid and also become eligible for Medicare. At that time, Medicaid coverage may change based on the recipient’s income. Higher-income individuals may find that Medicaid pays their Medicare Part B premiums. Lower-income individuals may continue to receive full benefits.

How To Find The Right Plan Between Medicare Vs Medicaid

If youre having trouble figuring out if you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid or if you qualify for both, but are not sure which would benefit you more you can free, no-obligation assistance from a licensed agent.

If you dont qualify for Medicare but you have a low income or qualifying condition, consider applying for Medicaid. For those that are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, working with a Medicare expert can save you time.

Our agents can compare top carriers in your area and share plan options with you. Give us a call or fill out our convenient and easy online rate form now.

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Medicaid Is Jointly Financed By States And The Federal Government

Medicaid is financed jointly by the federal government and states. The federal government matches state Medicaid spending. The federal match rate varies by state based on a federal formula and ranges from a minimum of 50% to nearly 75% in the poorest state. Under the ACA, the federal match rate for adults newly eligible was 100% for 2014-2016, phasing down gradually to 90% in 2020 and thereafter . The federal matching structure provides states with resources for coverage of their low-income residents and also permits state Medicaid programs to respond to demographic and economic shifts, changing coverage needs, technological innovations, public health emergencies such as the opioid addiction crisis, and disasters and other events beyond states control. The guaranteed availability of federal Medicaid matching funds eases budgetary pressures on states during recessionary periods when enrollment rises. Federal matching rates do not automatically adjust to economic shifts but Congress has twice raised them temporarily during downturns to strengthen support for states.

Total federal and state Medicaid spending was $577 billion in FY 2017. Medicaid is the third-largest domestic program in the federal budget, after Social Security and Medicare, accounting for 9.5% of federal spending in FY 2017. In 2017, Medicaid was the second-largest item in state budgets, after elementary and secondary education .

Figure 8: Medicaid is a budget item and a revenue item in state budgets.

Qualified Disabled And Working Individual

You may be eligible to purchase Medicare Part A benefits, but unable to afford it because of your low income. In this case, Medicaid will pay your Medicare Part A premium. This is more common with people under the age of 65.

In 2021, the maximum monthly income to qualify is $4,379 for an individual and $5,892 for a couple. The 2021 maximum asset level, however, is set at just $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple.

This program helps pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

Eligibility requires:

• Income of no more than $1,094 per month for an individual in 2021, or $1,472 per month for a married couple
• Resources of no more than $7,970 for an individual in 2021, or $11,960 for a married couple

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Unitedhealthcare Connected General Benefit Disclaimer

This is not a complete list. The benefit information is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan or read the Member Handbook. Limitations, copays and restrictions may apply. For more information, call UnitedHealthcare Connected® Member Services or read the UnitedHealthcare Connected® Member Handbook. Benefits, List of Covered Drugs, pharmacy and provider networks and/or copayments may change from time to time throughout the year and on January 1 of each year.

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Paying For A Prescription Drug Plan

If you qualify for theQMB, SLMB or QI Medicare Savings Programs, then you also automatically qualify for a program called Extra Help designed to help with paying for your prescription drugs. Prescription drug coverage is provided through Medicare Part D, which is why Extra Help is also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy. Part D coverage generally comes with a premium, a deductible and a copayment or coinsurance. Learn more about Medicare Part D here.

But you dont have to be in a Medicare Savings Program to receive help paying for your prescriptions under Extra Help. If your annual income as an individual is up to $1,698 per month or $2,288 as a couple in 2022, you may be eligible. Asset limits in 2022 are up to $15,510 for an individual or $30,950 for a couple.

Depending on which Medicare Part D plan you choose, the program can reduce or eliminate your plans premium and deductible, and also lower the cost you pay for the prescription drugs covered under your plan.

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Medicare And Medicaid Funding

Medicare is funded:

• In part by the Medicare payroll tax
• In part by Medicare recipients premiums
• In part by general federal taxes

The Medicare payroll taxes and premiums go into the Medicare Trust Fund. Bills for healthcare services to Medicare recipients are paid from that fund.

Medicaid is:

• Partially funded by the federal government
• Partially funded by each state

The federal government pays an average of about 60% of total Medicaid costs, but the percentage per state ranges from 50% to about 78%, depending on the average income of the state’s residents .

Under the ACA’s expansion of Medicaid, however, the federal government pays a much larger share.

For people who are newly eligible for Medicaid due to the ACA , the federal government pays 90% of the cost, while the states pay just 10% of the cost.

How Do I Know If I Should Be Dual Eligible

Beneficiaries can find out if theyre eligible for Medicaid by contacting their Medicaid office. An Internet search for Medicaid offices in a beneficiarys state should provide the number to call but beneficiaries should make sure they are contacting a government office before sharing any personal information.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also maintains a list of state agencies that oversee Medicaid. Beneficiaries can see if they already have Medicaid by contacting 1-800-MEDICARE and asking whether they receive Extra Help with their prescription drug costs .

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Medicaid Covers A Broad Range Of Health And Long

Medicaid covers a broad range of services to address the diverse needs of the populations it serves . In addition to covering the services required by federal Medicaid law, many states elect to cover optional services such as prescription drugs, physical therapy, eyeglasses, and dental care. Coverage for Medicaid expansion adults contains the ACAs ten essential health benefits which include preventive services and expanded mental health and substance use treatment services. Medicaid plays an important role in addressing the opioid epidemic and more broadly in connecting Medicaid beneficiaries to behavioral health services. Medicaid provides comprehensive benefits for children, known as Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment services. EPSDT is especially important for children with disabilities because private insurance is often inadequate to meet their needs. Unlike commercial health insurance and Medicare, Medicaid also covers long-term care including both nursing home care and many home and community-based long-term services and supports. More than half of all Medicaid spending for long-term care is now for services provided in the home or community that enable seniors and people with disabilities to live independently rather than in institutions.

Figure 5: Medicaids benefits reflect the needs of the population it serves.

What Is The General Difference Between Medicaid And Medicare

Medicaid is a government assistance program that typically covers medical costs for low-income individuals, including pregnant individuals and children. Individuals must qualify for Medicaid based on their states requirements. Medicare is a government health insurance program for which most people at least 65 years old qualify.

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Medicare Vs Medicaid: Cost

Most of Medicare has premiums and cost-sharing requirements, whereas Medicaid is generally free or very close to free.

Medicare: Different parts of Medicare have different costs

• Medicare Part A has no premiums if you or your spouse has worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters, or 10 years. However, there are still copays, coinsurance and a deductible.

• Medicare Part B has premiums for everyone. Most people pay $170.10 per month in 2022 , but beneficiaries with particularly high income pay higher adjusted amounts. Theres also a deductible and a 20% coinsurance for most services covered by Part B.

• Medicare Advantage plans each have their own premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance some do have $0 premiums. Youre still responsible for the Part B premium, too, unless your plan helps pay some or all of those costs.

• Medicare Part D plans each have their own premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance. The average monthly premium is $33 per month in 2022 . Beneficiaries with particularly high income pay higher adjusted amounts.

Key Differences Between Medicare And Medicaid

A key difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that one is mainly based on age, and the other is a welfare program for people of all ages with limited financial means.

Medicare assists people 65 or older. In some cases, people under 65 with certain health concerns may be able to sign up. This only applies to the person who qualifies, but not the personâs entire family. Medicaid is jointly run by the state and federal governments. It is for people whose eligibility is based on income rather than age or disability. It helps people and families who meet income limits get health care.

You can apply for Medicaid at any time. You do not have to wait for an open enrollment period. In most cases, people who qualify for it may be exempt from the individual penalty. Thereâs more on that below. When you apply for Medicare outside the time to enroll, you may have a penalty.

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Are You Dual Eligible

Some people can be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time.

Dual-eligible beneficiaries are individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

People who are dual eligible share costs with state-run Medicare Savings Programs , which provide help with premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, depending on the participant’s income level and the specific MSP. There are programs where eligible participants may have no copayments or cost shares.

Which Medicare Plans Help Dual

Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible plans combine Medicare, Medicaid, Part C, and Part D to make an awesome option.

These plans are only available to beneficiaries that qualify for Medicare and Medicaid. Also, beneficiaries need to live in the service area of the policy to be eligible.

You can enroll in one of these policies any time of the year, being eligible for Medicare and Medicaid gives you a Special Enrollment Period. The Medicare Advantage Part C plan is great for people that want the dental, vision, hearing, and gym membership benefits of an advantage plan.

While there may be a monthly premium amount listed for the Dual-eligible policy, Medicaid will pay that premium. You will need to see doctors that accept the plan and Medicaid.

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Medicare Trends In Texas

There are 4,355,781 Texans enrolled in Medicare in 2022. Here are a few notable trends:

• The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium is $10.68, lowering about 3 percent from 2021 averages.
• There are 337 Medicare Advantage plans available in Texas in 2022, about 16 percent more plan options than in 2021.
• 100 percent of people with Medicare will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium.
• $0 is the lowest monthly premium available for a Medicare Advantage plan.
• When it comes to Medicare Part D, there are 28 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans available in 2022. All individuals enrolled in Medicare have access to a Medicare prescription drug plan.
• There are 8 stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and 94 Medicare Advantage plans with prescription coverage that will offer lower out-of-pocket insulin costs through the Part D Senior Savings Model.
• 100 percent of people with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans have access to a plan with a lower monthly premium than they had paid for in 2021.
• The lowest available monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan is $6.90.

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