Category: Medicare and Medicaid

Topics: Medicare | Medicaid

Medicare

What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage. Since January 1, 2006, everyone with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drug usage has had access to prescription drug coverage.

What does Part B of Medicare (Medical Insurance) cover?

Medicare Part B helps cover medical services like doctors' services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A doesn't cover.

When should I sign up for Medicare?

Generally, we advise people to file for Medicare benefits 3 months before age 65. Remember, Medicare benefits can begin no earlier than age 65.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a medical insurance program for people over 65 and younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Medicaid is an assistance program for low-income patients' medical expenses.

Where can I find a doctor that accepts Medicare and Medicaid?

To find a doctor that accepts Medicare and Medicaid payments, you may want to visit the Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services' Physician Compare. You can search by State, County, City, Zip Code, and doctor's name and by the name of a Group Practice.

What health insurance programs are available for aging and/or low-income people?

There are several federal programs available to provide you and your family with affordable health care coverage. There are also programs specifically available for older Americans, low-income people, children, people with disabilities, people with end-stage renal disease, and pregnant women. These programs include:

What is Medicare Part C?

A Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.

What are the Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates?

Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A (sometimes called "premium-free Part A"). If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A, you can buy Part A. If you buy Part A, you will pay either $259 or $471 each month in 2021. The standard Medicare Part B premium amount is $148.50 (or higher depending on your income) in 2021.You pay $203.00 per year for your Part B deductible in 2021. Medicare Part D requires a monthly premium, but deductibles vary among Medicare drug plans.

View Medicare costs at a glance.

Where can I find healthcare insurance? Are there low cost health care facilities in my area?

Medicaid is for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. Eligibility and benefits vary considerably from State to State. Medicare insurance is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease. There is also a nationwide network of community-based health care centers that provide primary health care services at low or no cost.

How do I report a change of name or address to Medicare?

You can view or update your Medicare contact information (e.g. change your address) of record via the My Profile Tab on my Social Security -- even if you aren't currently receiving Social Security Benefits. In addition, you can decide when your change of address will take effect. 

How do I enroll in Medicare?

The Social Security Administration handles Medicare eligibility and enrollment. You can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to enroll in Medicare or to ask questions about whether you are eligible.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). Check out Medicare.gov for the latest information on eligibility.

How do I get a new Medicare card if my card is lost, stolen, or damaged? How do I change my contact information?

You can now request a replacement red, white, and blue Medicare card online on Social Security's (SSA) web site, even if you don't yet receive Social Security benefits. Your card will be mailed within 30 days to the address SSA has on record.

What is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals, critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. You must meet certain conditions to get these benefits.

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B helps cover the cost of medical services like doctors' services, outpatient care, and other medically necessary services that Part A doesn't cover. Part B is optional.

Medicaid

Does Medicaid cover dental care?

Dental services are a required service for most Medicaid-eligible individuals under the age of 21. States may elect to provide dental services to their adult Medicaid patients.

Does Medicaid cover ambulance services?

Medicaid covers Emergency Ambulance services when provided by providers licensed by the state. The patient must be transported in an appropriate vehicle that has been inspected and issued a permit by the state.

Who is eligible for Medicaid?

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.

What is the Medicaid program?

Medicaid is a health coverage assistance program for children, adults, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors who qualify due to low income or other criteria.