How to Apply for Medicare & Medicaid

Many of our claimants ask us how they can enjoy the benefits of Medicare & Medicaid insurance coverage.  We do our very best to help them apply and succeed in getting all of their benefits.  Find out even more information in regards to gaining your Medicare and Medicaid Coverage below.

What is Medicare?

‘Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those who have disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.’

How to Apply for Medicare

‘When you apply for Medicare, you can sign up for Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down. However, if you decide to enroll in Part B later on, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. Your monthly premium will go up 10 percent for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn’t sign up for it, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.’

You can read more about Medicare here or start filling out your application today!

Other Benefits

‘If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B, please complete form CMS 40-B, Application for Enrollment in Medicare – Part B (Medical Insurance), and take or mail it to your local Social Security office.

Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income also may be able to get Extra Help to pay for the costs.’

 

What is Medicaid?

‘Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care services.’

How to Apply for Medicaid

You can apply online at this link or by calling your local Medicaid office.

Medicaid Spendown

‘Even if your income exceeds Medicaid income levels in your state, you may be eligible under Medicaid spend down rules. Under the “spend down” process, some states allow you to become eligible for Medicaid as “medically needy,” even if you have too much income to qualify. This process allows you to “spend down,” or subtract, your medical expenses from your income to become eligible for Medicaid.’

‘To be eligible as “medically needy,” your measurable resources also have to be under the resource amount allowed in your state. Call your state Medicaid program to see if you qualify and learn how to apply.’

Dual Eligibility

‘Some people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” If you have Medicare and full Medicaid coverage, most of your health care costs are likely covered.’

‘You can get your Medicare coverage through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). If you have Medicare and full Medicaid, you’ll get your Part D prescription drugs through Medicare, and you’ll automatically qualify for Extra Help paying for your Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicaid may still cover some drugs and other care that Medicare doesn’t cover.’

Remember, once you get approved for SSI & SSDI it takes two years from your approval date to start receiving  Medicare, so start out by seeing if you are eligible for Medicaid too. 

If you have any other questions regarding Medicare and Medicaid, please email us at help@musedisability.com or give our offices a call at 1-800-922-4011. We look forward to helping you.

(Sources: Healthcare.gov, medicare.gov, ssa.gov)