| Just like there's confusion over the difference | | | | It's possible - indeed, sometimes it's absolutely |
| between SSDI and SSI, there's confusion over | | | | necessary - to be on both Medicare and Medicaid. |
| the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. | | | | In that case, Medicare first pays medical bills up to |
| So, here in a nutshell, is the definition of each. | | | | whatever its rules allow, then Medicaid pays the |
| Medicare - the very same health plan that retired | | | | rest. Always get Medicaid, if you can, to |
| people over 65 enjoy - can be obtained after | | | | supplement Medicare, because with it, you'll have a |
| receiving SSDI for 24 months. (NOTE: ONCE YOU | | | | way to pay deductibles and co-payments that |
| QUALIFY FOR SSDI, YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR | | | | you would otherwise face without it. Moreover, |
| 29 MONTHS BEFORE RECEIVING YOUR FIRST | | | | Medicaid pays for some things Medicare doesn't |
| CHECK.) Medicare has two parts: Part A, which | | | | cover at all. Conversely, always get and keep |
| you pay for through your payroll taxes, and which | | | | Medicare (including Part B) even if you are already |
| covers overnight hospital bills, hospices, home | | | | on Medicaid. Medicare pays doctors and hospitals |
| health care and very limited, partial nursing home | | | | more than Medicaid does, and therefore will make |
| care. And Part B, three-fourths of which is paid | | | | them more likely to accept you as a patient and |
| for by federal income tax, and one-fourth ($84.00 | | | | devote adequate time to your case. Don't be |
| a month in 2006, deducted from your SSDI | | | | afraid of the Part B monthly premium, either. |
| check) by you. It pays for doctor, ambulance, | | | | Once you're on Medicaid, it will start paying the |
| emergency room, clinic and most other outpatient | | | | Medicare premium for you, and your SSDI check |
| care (except drugs and nutritional products). | | | | will go up by $84.00. |
| As of May 15th, 2006, Medicare now has a Part D | | | | According to the Social Security Administration |
| which covers partial payment of prescriptions. | | | | some assets are considered exempt (not |
| Most people who qualify for Medicare select a | | | | countable) toward SSI eligibility such as:o The |
| "Supplement" package that covers additional | | | | house an individual lives in and the land it is on;o |
| things such as Doctor visits (minus the co-pay) | | | | Personal and household goods (depending on their |
| and other things usually covered by a Health | | | | value);o Life insurance with a face value of $1,500 |
| Insurance Plan. You have to pay extra for this. If | | | | or less;o Burial plots or spaces for the individual |
| you become eligible for Medicare after May 15th, | | | | and immediate family; burial funds for the |
| 2006, you have to select a carrier for Part D. | | | | individual;o A car with a current fair market value |
| This can be included in your "supplemental" | | | | up to $4,500. The car may be of any value, |
| package, as mine is, or it can be a separate | | | | however, if it has been modified to accommodate |
| coverage. | | | | a person¹s disability or if it is needed for |
| Medicaid is run by the state and local | | | | necessary activities. |
| governments. It completely covers hospitalization, | | | | Some of an individual¹s income is also not |
| clinic visits, emergency room visits, doctors' visits, | | | | counted toward SSI eligibility such as: The first |
| hospices, home health care, nursing home stays, | | | | $20 of most income received in a month (from |
| ambulance and outpatient prescription drugs. | | | | any source); the first $65 a month earned from |
| Medicaid has very small co-payments for | | | | working and half the amount over $65; food |
| prescriptions, doctor visits and some other care. | | | | stamps; most food clothing and shelter from |
| While all hospitals and almost all drug stores | | | | non-profit organizations; most home energy |
| accept Medicaid, most doctors don't, and many | | | | assistance. If the individual with a disability works, |
| home health agencies, nursing homes, and | | | | any wages used to pay for items needed for |
| hospices are also reluctant to accept Medicaid. | | | | work related to the disability are not counted as |
| People on SSI are eligible for Medicaid, and in most | | | | income. (Source: Social Security Administration.) |
| but not all of the states in the nation, SSI sends | | | | Since eligibility for government benefits is |
| lists of recipients to the local government, which | | | | dependent on these financial restrictions, a person |
| then automatically sends Medicaid cards out to | | | | with a disability would be in jeopardy of loosing |
| them. But in some states, you must always apply | | | | those benefits if he or she amasses any |
| separately for Medicaid at the welfare office, | | | | resources above the limit. |
| even if you're on SSI. | | | | |