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Tag: Medicare Savings Programs

  • 2023: Four things to know if your income is low and you have Medicare

    2023: Four things to know if your income is low and you have Medicare

    Today, 12.3 million older adults and people with disabilities are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.  Almost three out of four of them (71.1 percent) are eligible for full Medicaid benefits, the remaining 28.9 percent are enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program. While Medicare is an earned health care benefit for people over 65 and people with disabilities, Medicaid is a means-based benefit for people with limited incomes and savings. Medicare and Medicaid work together to provide a more comprehensive set of benefits for people with low incomes.

    1. Medicaid picks up many health care costs that Medicare does not cover: Depending upon your income and assets, along with which state you live in, you might qualify for full Medicaid benefits in addition to Medicare. Medicaid would be your secondary insurance, paying after Medicare.  It generally covers the gaps in Medicare, including the Part B premium, the Part D drug premium, deductibles and coinsurance. It sometimes covers routine dental care and travel to and from the doctor’s office and some long-term care. No matter where you live, if you meet state-specific criteria, you will have coverage for nursing home care.  Depending which state you live in, and your care needs, you might also be eligible for home or community-based care.  In addition, there are several Medicaid/Medicare demonstration projects underway testing new ways to deliver home care for people with Medicare, in one project with the help of therapists, nurses and handymen.
    2. Your state Medicaid office or SHIP program can help you know whether you qualify for full Medicaid or other low-income assistance.  Even if your income or assets are over the limit, many states have what are called “spend-down” programs that allow you to qualify for Medicaid after you have spent some of your own money for health care.  If you own a home, Medicaid does not count your home as an asset. To contact your state Medicaid office, click here and to learn about free and low-cost resources, including the State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP), click here.
    3. Some states enroll people with Medicaid and Medicare in commercial managed care plans: These Medicare Advantage plans might create obstacles to care through limited networks and inappropriate delays and denials of care. But, no matter what state you live in, you should have the right to disenroll and switch to traditional Medicare if you’d like. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, your out-of-pocket costs in traditional Medicare should be very little or nothing. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn about options in your state.
    4. Even if your income or assets are too high to qualify for full Medicaid benefits, Medicare Savings Programs, (administered by state Medicaid programs), may cover some of the gaps in Medicare. Four different Medicare Savings Programs fill different Medicare coverage gaps, depending upon your income and assets. For example, in 2023, the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program, QMB, picks up the cost of Part A premiums; Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. To qualify, your individual monthly income cannot exceed $1,235 (married $1,663) and assets $9,090 (married $13,630) plus $1,5oo for burial funds. To learn more about these programs and which health care costs they pick up, click here.

    In addition to Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs, there are thousands of government and charitable programs that provide free and low-cost services across the country.

    Here’s more from Just Care:

  • New Medicare rule should lower health care costs for 860,000 people

    New Medicare rule should lower health care costs for 860,000 people

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services just finalized a rule to make it easier for people with Medicare on low incomes to enroll in Medicare Savings Programs. More than 850,000 people should more easily qualify for lower health care costs. The rule eliminates a lot of the paperwork involved in qualifying for Medicare Savings Programs.

    Medicare Savings Programs or MSPs help people with low incomes who do not qualify for Medicaid to save money on their Medicare premiums and other out-of-pocket costs. There are four low-income programs, the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program or QMB, the Specified Low-Income Beneficiary Program or SLMB, the Qualified Individual Program or QI and the Qualified Disabled & Working Individual (QDWI) Program.

    If your income is no more than $1,235 ($1,663 married) and your assets do not exceed $9,090 ($13,630 married), you should qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program. If you qualify, you do not need to pay Medicare Part A or Part B premiums, and your physicians and other Medicare providers cannot charge you deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments for services Medicare covers. You also cannot be charged more than a $4.30 copay for a Medicare Part D prescription drug.

    If your income is higher than $1,235 but no more than $1,478 ($1,992 married) and your assets do not exceed $9,090 ($13,630 married), you should qualify for the Specified Medicare Beneficiary Program. If you qualify, you will have help paying your Medicare Part B premiums. You’ll also pay no more than $10.35 in 2023 for each drug your Medicare drug plan covers.

    If your income is higher than $1,478 but no more than $1,660 ($2,239 married) and your assets do not exceed $9,090 ($13,630 married), you should qualify for the Qualified Individual Program. If you qualify, you will have help paying your Medicare Part B premiums. You’ll also pay no more than $10.35 in 2023 for each drug your Medicare drug plan covers.

    If you have a disability, are working and lost your Social Security disability benefits and Medicare premium-free Part A because you returned to work, you could qualify for the Qualified Disabled & Working Individual (QDWI) Program, which helps pay for your Part A premiums only.

    This all said, navigating the application process for these Medicare Savings Programs through state Medicaid offices can be challenging. And, it is estimated that about half of the people who qualify for these programs are not enrolled in them. Today, about 10 million people with Medicare are enrolled. This new CMS rule makes it far easier to enroll.

    For example, the new rule means that many SSI recipients will automatically be enrolled in the QMB program, which picks up their Medicare Part B premiums and cost sharing.

    Here’s more from Just Care:

  • What are your Medicare premium and other costs in 2023?

    What are your Medicare premium and other costs in 2023?

    In 2023, the standard monthly Medicare Part B premium, which covers medical and outpatient care, is $164.90, a monthly decrease of $5.20 from $170.10, for people with annual incomes of $97,000 or less in 2021. At the same time that your Medicare Part B premium is decreasing, your Social Security increase is increasing a 8.7 percent, providing an average additional $146 a month in benefits.

    Social Security benefits in 2023 will be up an average of $1,827 for a single retiree.

    In 2023, people whose modified adjusted gross income from two years ago as reported on their federal tax return–about seven percent of the Medicare population–pay a Medicare Part B premium of:

    • $230.80 a month, if their income is above $97,000 and no more than $123,000.
    • $329.70 a month, if their income is above $123,000 and no more than $153,000
    • $428.60 a month, if their income is above $153,000 and no more than $183,000
    • $527.50 a month, if their income is above $183,000 and less than $500,000
    • $560.50 a month, if their income is $500,000 or more

    For couples with combined incomes of $366,000 or less two years ago, filing a joint tax return, the premium amount doubles. Couples with annual incomes above $366,000 and less than $750,000 each pay a $527.50 monthly premium. And, couples with annual incomes of $750,000 and above each pay a $560.50 monthly premium. Visit this CMS web site for your Part B premium amount if you are filing separate returns.

    Medicare Part B annual deductible: $226, a decrease of $7 from the annual deductible of $233 in 2022.

    For more than four decades, the Medicare Part B premium (medical insurance) was the same for everyone regardless of income, geography or health status, a quarter of the cost of Part B services. (Medicare Part A, hospital insurance, is premium-free if you have contributed into Social Security for at least 40 quarters.)  In 2007, wealthier people with Medicare began paying higher premiums.

    Here are 2023: Medicare Part A costs:

    • There is no Medicare Part A premium if you or your spouse have at least 40 quarters of coverage.
    • The Medicare Part A premium, if you or a spouse has at least 30 quarters of coverage, is $278 a month; if you don’t have at least 30 quarters, the premium is $506 a month.
    • The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,600, in 2023 an increase of $44 from 2022, and  coinsurance for hospitalizations after day 60 is $400 a day in a benefit period; coinsurance for lifetime reserve days is $800 a day.
    • The Medicare Part A daily coinsurance for skilled nursing facility stays after day 20 is $200, an increase of $5.50 from $194.50 in 2022.

    Extra Help paying your Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs: People with low incomes and assets have help paying these costs through the Medicare Savings Program. You should apply through your Medicaid office, if you think you might be eligible.

    People with incomes up to 135 percent of the federal poverty level, (the exact amount will be released in 2023) are eligible for help paying their premiums through Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program.

    In 2023, for full low-income subsidy (LIS) benefits through the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program, your assets cannot be higher than $9,090 ($13,630 if married). For partial LIS benefits, your assets cannot be higher than $15,160 ($30,240 if married).

    That said, if you notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you plan to use some of your assets for burial expenses, for full LIS benefits, your assets can be as high as $10,590 ($16,630 if married). For partial LIS benefits, your assets can be as high as $16,660 ($33,240 if married).

    Here’s more from Just Care:

  • 2023: Medicare premiums and other costs

    2023: Medicare premiums and other costs

    The Medicare Open Enrollment period begins on October 15 and ends on December 7, so you will have several weeks to review your Medicare options for 2023. Particularly if you have Medicare Part D drug coverage or are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage private plan–a health plan offered by a corporate health insurance company–reviewing your options could save you a lot of money. Your Medicare Part B premium will be slightly lower in 2023, regardless of whether you are enrolled in traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

    In 2023, the standard monthly Medicare Part B premium, which covers medical and outpatient care, is $164.90, a monthly decrease of $5.20 from $170.10, for people with annual incomes of $97,000 or less in 2021. In addition, you will get a Social Security increase of around nine percent. The exact increase will be announced shortly.

    In 2023, people whose modified adjusted gross income from two years ago as reported on their federal tax return–about seven percent of the Medicare population–pay a Medicare Part B premium of:
    • $230.80 a month, if their income is above $97,000 and no more than $123,000.
    • $329.70 a month, if their income is above $123,000 and no more than $153,000
    • $428.60 a month, if their income is above $153,000 and no more than $183,000
    • $527.50 a month, if their income is above $183,000 and less than $500,000
    • $560.50 a month, if their income is $500,000 or more

    For couples with combined incomes of $366,000 or less two years ago, filing a joint tax return, the premium amount doubles. Couples with annual incomes above $366,000 and less than $750,000 each pay a $527.50 monthly premium. And, couples with annual incomes of $750,000 and above each pay a $560.50 monthly premium. Visit this CMS web site for your Part B premium amount if you are filing separate returns.

    Medicare Part B annual deductible: $26, a decrease of $7 from the 2022 annual deductible of $233.

    If your income is low, you may qualify for help paying your premium and sometimes also your deductibles and coinsurance through the Medicare Savings Programs: People with incomes up to 135 percent of the federal poverty level, ($1,549 in monthly income for an individual and $2,080 for a couple in 2022; these amounts may increase in 2023) are eligible for help paying their premiums through Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program.

    For more than four decades, the Medicare Part B premium (medical insurance) was the same for everyone regardless of income, geography or health status, a quarter of the cost of Part B services. (Medicare Part A, hospital insurance, is premium-free if you have contributed into Social Security for at least 40 quarters.)  In 2007, wealthier people with Medicare began paying higher premiums.

    Here are 2023 Medicare Part A costs:

    • There is no Medicare Part A premium if you or your spouse have at least 40 quarters of coverage.
    • The Medicare Part A premium, if you or a spouse has at least 30 quarters of coverage, is $259 a month; if you don’t have at least 30 quarters, the premium could be $471 a month.
    • The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,600, in 2023 an increase of $44 from 2022, and  coinsurance for hospitalizations after day 60 is $400 a day in a benefit period; coinsurance for lifetime reserve days is $800 a day.
    • The Medicare Part A daily coinsurance for skilled nursing facility stays after day 20 is $200.00, an increase of $5.50 from $194.50 in 2022.

    If you have Medicare and are 36 months post kidney transplant, you are no longer eligible for full Medicare coverage. But, beginning in 2023, you can elect to continue Part B coverage of immunosuppressive drugs if you pay a premium. In 2023, the immunosuppressive drug premium is $97.10.

    Medicare Part D premiums

    Premiums for Part D prescription drug coverage vary by income and by Part D plan. The premium is generally deducted from your Social Security check. People with annual incomes at or under $97,000 do not pay an additional income-adjusted premium amount.

    If your annual income is above $97,000, you will be charged between $12.20 and $76.40 a month extra. The extra amount is based on how much higher than $97,000 your income is, with a cap at $750,000.

    Insulin

    Beginning July 1, 2023, you will pay no more than $35 a month out of pocket for insulin. If you take insulin through a pump you get through Medicare, you will have no deductible.

    Here’s more from Just Care:

  • What happens to people with Medicare and Medicaid when Biden declares end to public health emergency?

    What happens to people with Medicare and Medicaid when Biden declares end to public health emergency?

    As a result of the public health emergency declared in response to the COVID pandemic, many more people are enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. But, as soon as July, the Biden administration is likely to end this emergency, and many dual-eligibles could lose their Medicaid coverage. Erin Weir Lakhmani of Mathematica reports in Health Affairs on the challenges dual-eligibles face and how to address them.

    Today about 12 million people have both Medicare and Medicaid. They are at particularly serious risk when states make redeterminations regarding their Medicaid eligibility. They tend to have multiple chronic conditions and to use long-term services and supports, including home care services and nursing home care, which Medicare does not cover.

    Without Medicaid, many of these people will be cut off from long-term services and supports. Medicaid support often enables them to age in place, remaining in their homes rather than having to move into a nursing home.

    Dual-eligibles are also more likely to struggle with renewing their Medicaid applications. Many have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. And, many have low health literacy levels and might not understand Medicaid renewal notices even if they don’t have dementia. They will need help, which can be hard to come by.

    As a general rule, dual-eligibles lose Medicaid because they cannot manage the recertification process not because they no longer qualify. The issue isn’t a change in assets or income. They struggle to overcome the barriers and requirements their states impose to gain Medicaid eligibility.

    States are required to use ex parte processes to renew people’s Medicaid, if  possible, and not depend on dual-eligibles to complete forms. But, they tend not to use ex parte processes as much as they might. In order to determine whether people do not exceed asset limits, states tend to ask dual-eligibles to respond to requests to renew their Medicaid eligibility.

    When dual-eligibles lose Medicaid, they can suffer profoundly. They might forego or otherwise not be able to get important medical care if they lose Medicaid wrap-around coverage. In the long-term, that can raise costs for the states as it can lead to severe health consequences.

    What can be done?

    • If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration can determine Medicaid eligibility for you in 34 states.
    • States should use ex parte reviews more often.
    • States could also check to see whether dual-eligibles who are losing Medicaid qualify for Medicare Savings Programs, such as QMB or SLMB and Q-1 that help offset Medicare costs.

    Here’s more from Just Care:

  • 2022: Programs that lower your health care costs if you have Medicare

    2022: Programs that lower your health care costs if you have Medicare

    Medicare only covers about half of a typical person’s health care costs, leaving people with average annual out-of-pocket costs of more than $6,100. So, even with Medicare, many people struggle to afford premiums, deductibles and other costs. Some people qualify for Medicaid, which fills most of the gaps in Medicare. But, if you do not qualify for Medicaid, there are other programs that lower your health care costs. Click here or contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to find out if you are eligible for any of these programs and how to apply.

    1. Medicare Savings Programs. Depending on your income, Medicare Savings Programs, administered by Medicaid, help pay for Medicare premiums and coinsurance, even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid. There are three programs, Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified-Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualified Individual (QI). Income and asset limits, and how they are counted, are listed below for 2021, but vary somewhat by state. You should apply through your local Medicaid office.

    • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)—100 percent of federal poverty level (FPL) + $20. If you have QMB, you should not have out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-approved services in traditional Medicare or for in-network services in a Medicare Advantage plan.
      • Income limit monthly depends upon where you live but is around
        • $1,153 for individuals
        • $1,546 for couples
      • Asset limit
        • Individuals: $8,400
        • Couples: $12,600
    • Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)—120 percent of FPL + $20. SLMB helps pay your Medicare Part B premium.
      • Income limit monthly depends upon where you live but is around
        • $1,379 for individuals
        • $1,851 for couples
      • Asset limit
        • Individuals: $8,400
        • Couples: $12,600
    • Qualifying Individual (QI)—135 percent of FPL +$20, helps pay your Medicare Part B premium.
      • Income limit monthly depends upon where you live but is around
        • $1,549 for individuals
        • $2,080 for couples
      • Asset limit
        • Individuals: $8,400
        • Couples: $12,600

    Several valuable items are not counted as income and assets. No matter what state you live in, the first $20 of your income and the first $65 of your monthly wages are not counted as income. In addition, half of your monthly wages, after the first $65 is not counted, nor are food stamps. Some of your assets are also not counted, including your primary home, if you own it, your car, your wedding and engagement rings, a burial plot and $1,500 in burial funds, your life insurance with a cash value less than $1,500, and your furniture, household and personal items. Your bank accounts, stocks and bonds are counted.

    Tip: If your income is low but too high to qualify you for Medicaid, it is worth looking into whether you qualify for any of these programs. According to MACPAC, an independent agency that advises Congress on Medicaid policy, less than a half the people over 65 who qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program (48%) are enrolled. And, an even smaller share of people over 65 who qualify for the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program (28%) are enrolled. About one in seven people over 65 (15%) who qualify for the QI program are enrolled.

    2. Extra Help with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage: You will automatically qualify for the Extra Help program, which is administered by Medicaid, if you qualify for any of the above low-income programs. You can also apply for Extra Help independently. Extra Help pays for some or all of the cost of your Part D drug coverage and is estimated to be worth around $5,100 a year. The amount of help with cost-sharing depends on the level of your income and assets. In 2022, you may qualify if you have up to $20,385 in annual income ($27,465 for a married couple) and up to $15,510 in assets  ($30,950 for a married couple). With Extra Help your drug costs are no more than $3.95 for each generic/$9.85 for each brand-name covered drug. And, depending upon your income, you may pay only part of your Medicare drug plan premiums and deductibles. You get Extra Help automatically if you have Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program or receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. You can apply for Extra Help online here. (Some states have State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs that provide even more assistance.)

    3. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other programs run by the Human Resources and Services Administration: FQHCs are located across the country and provide a wide range of services to underserved populations and areas on a sliding-feed scale. They might waive the Medicare deductible and coinsurance, depending upon your income.

    4. Hill-Burton programs offer free or reduced care at Hill-Burton facilities in 38 states. Hill-Burton does not cover services fully covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Eligibility depends on your family size and income.

    5. Veterans’ Administration: If you are a vet, the Veterans’ Administration (VA) offers low-cost services and prescription drugs directly. And, you can have VA coverage as well as Medicare.

    Keep in mind that you may be eligible for Medicaid based on your income after paying for some health care costs. To contact your state Medicaid office, click here.

    Here’s more from Just Care:

  • 2021: Programs that lower your health care costs if you have Medicare

    2021: Programs that lower your health care costs if you have Medicare

    Medicare only covers about half of a typical person’s health care costs. So, even with Medicare, many people struggle to afford premiums, deductibles and other out-of-pockets health care costs. Some people qualify for Medicaid, which fills most of the gaps in Medicare. But, if you do not qualify for Medicaid, there are other programs that lower your health care costs. Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to find out if you are eligible and what you will need to apply for one of these programs.

    1. Medicare Savings Programs. Depending on your income, Medicare Savings Programs, administered by Medicaid, help pay for Medicare premiums and coinsurance, even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid. There are three programs, Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified-Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualified Individual (QI). Income and asset limits, and how they are counted, are listed below for 2021, but vary somewhat by state. You should apply through your local Medicaid office.
      • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)—100 percent of federal poverty level (FPL) + $20. If you have QMB, you should not have out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-approved services in traditional Medicare or for in-network services in a Medicare Advantage plan.
        • Income limit monthly depends upon where you live but is around
          • $1,094 for individuals
          • $1,472 for couples
        • Asset limit
          • Individuals: $7,970
          • Couples: $11,960
      • Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)—120 percent of FPL + $20
        • Income limit monthly depends upon where you live but is around
          • $1,308 for individuals
          • $1,762 for couples
        • Asset limit
          • Individuals: $7,970
          • Couples: $11,960
      • Qualifying Individual (QI)—135 percent of FPL +$20, covers your Medicare Part B premiums
        • Income limit monthly depends upon where you live but is around
          • $1,469 for individuals
          • $1,980 for couples
        • Asset limit
          • Individuals: $7,970
          • Couples: $11,960

      What counts as income and assets? No matter what state you live in, the first $20 of your income and the first $65 of your monthly wages are not counted as income. In addition, half of your monthly wages, after the first $65 is not counted, nor are food stamps. Some of your assets are also not counted, including your primary home, if you own it, your car, your wedding and engagement rings, a burial plot and $1,500 in burial funds, your life insurance with a cash value less than $1,500, and your furniture, household and personal items. Your bank accounts, stocks and bonds are counted.

    Tip: If your income is low but too high to qualify you for Medicaid, it is worth looking into whether you qualify for any of these programs. According to MACPAC, an independent agency that advises Congress on Medicaid policy, less than a half the people over 65 who qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program (48%) are enrolled. And, an even smaller share of people over 65 who qualify for the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program (28%) are enrolled. About one in seven people over 65 (15%) who qualify for the QI program are enrolled.

    1. Extra Help with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage: You may qualify for Extra Help, a program administered by Medicaid, which pays for some or all of the cost of your Part D drug coverage. The amount of help with cost-sharing depends on the level of your income and assets. In 2021, you may qualify if you have up to $1,630 in monthly income ($2,198 for a married couple) and up to $14,790 in assets  ($29,520 for a married couple). If your income and assets are lower– income up to $1,469 and assets up to $9,470 for an individual) you may qualify for full Extra Help. With Extra Help your drug costs are no more than $3.70 for each generic/$9.20 for each brand-name covered drug. And, depending upon your income, you may pay only part of your Medicare drug plan premiums and deductibles. You get Extra Help automatically if you have Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program or receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. You can apply for Extra Help online here. (Some states have State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs that provide even more assistance.)
    2. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other programs run by the Human Resources and Services Administration: FQHCs are located across the country and provide a wide range of services to underserved populations and areas on a sliding-feed scale. They might waive the Medicare deductible and coinsurance, depending upon your income.
    3. Hill-Burton programs offer free or reduced care at Hill-Burton facilities in 38 states. Hill-Burton does not cover services fully covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Eligibility depends on your family size and income.
    4. Veterans’ Administration: If you are a vet, the Veterans’ Administration (VA) offers low-cost services and prescription drugs directly. And, you can have VA coverage as well as Medicare.

    Keep in mind that you may be eligible for Medicaid based on your income after paying for some health care costs. To contact your state Medicaid office, click here.

    Here’s more from Just Care:

  • Four things to know if your income is low and you have Medicare

    Four things to know if your income is low and you have Medicare

    Today, more than 11.4 million older adults and people with disabilities are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.  Almost three out of four of them (72 percent) are eligible for full Medicaid benefits, the remaining 28 percent are enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program. While Medicare is an earned health care benefit for people over 65 and with disabilities, Medicaid is a means-based benefit for people with limited incomes and savings. Medicare and Medicaid work together to provide a more comprehensive set of benefits for people with low incomes.

    1. Medicaid picks up many health care costs that Medicare does not cover: Depending upon your income and assets, along with which state you live in, you might qualify for full Medicaid benefits in addition to Medicare. Medicaid would be your secondary insurance, paying after Medicare.  It generally covers the gaps in Medicare, including the Part B premium, the Part D drug premium, deductibles and coinsurance. It sometimes covers routine dental care and travel to and from the doctor’s office and some long-term care. No matter where you live, if you meet state-specific criteria, you will have coverage for nursing home care.  Depending which state you live in, and your care needs, you might also be eligible for home or community-based care.  In addition, there are several Medicaid/Medicare demonstration projects underway testing new ways to deliver home care for people with Medicare, in one project with the help of therapists, nurses and handymen.
    2. Your state Medicaid office or SHIP program can help you know whether you qualify for full Medicaid or other low-income assistance.  Even if your income or assets are over the limit, many states have what are called “spend-down” programs that allow you to qualify for Medicaid after you have spent some of your own money for health care.  You should know that if you own a home, Medicaid does not count it as an asset. To contact your state Medicaid office, click here and to learn about free and low-cost resources, including the State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP), click here.
    3. Some states enroll people with Medicaid and Medicare in commercial managed care plans: But, no matter what state you live in, you have the right to disenroll and switch to traditional Medicare if you’d like. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn about options in your state.
    4. Even if your income or assets are too high to qualify for full Medicaid benefits, Medicare Savings Programs, (administered by state Medicaid programs), may cover some of the gaps in Medicare. In 2013, 8.8 million people were enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program. Four different Medicare Savings Programs fill different Medicare coverage gaps, depending upon your income and assets. To learn more about these programs and which health care costs they pick up, click here.

    In addition to Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs, there are thousands of government and charitable programs that provide free and low-cost services across the country.

    Here’s more from Just Care: