How do I qualify for Medicare if I'm disabled?Anyone approved for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits will also qualify for Medicare. People approved to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receive Medicaid benefits. Medicare will automatically start for SSDI recipients 24 months after their date of entitlement.Individuals with … [Read more...]
What is the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)?
How-to Qualify for Dual Eligibility (Medicare + Medicaid)You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A. You must prove your income is at or below the national poverty level. You must prove that you do not have cash value resources above a certain value. You must apply at your local Medicaid office.Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program Details For those … [Read more...]
How Much Does Medicare Hospital Insurance Cost (Medicare Part A)?
How much does Medicare Part A cost?Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A ("premium free"). If you must buy Part A, you'll pay up to $413 per month (2017 rate). When admitted as an inpatient, you'll pay a $1,316 deductible for each benefit period. There are also co-insurance costs from $0 to $658 per day.Medicare Part A Costs in Detail Medicare … [Read more...]
What are My Medicare Cost Sharing Obligations?
What is Medicare Cost Sharing?Medicare beneficiaries share costs with the federal government and health plans for coverage:Medicare Part A: government pays 80%, beneficiary pays 20% co-insurance + deductibles. Medicare Part B: government pays 80%, beneficiary pays 20% co-insurance + deductibles + premiums. Medicare Part C: government pays flat rate to … [Read more...]
Is Medicare Free for Seniors and the Disabled?
How-to Get Medicare for FreeQualify by checking your household income. Visit the Social Security Administration to get "Extra Help". Visit Medicaid to get your QMB, SLMB, or QI benefits. It doesn't matter if you are retired or disabled. It works the same way. Follow these simple steps... Yes, Medicare is FREE for 8-Million+ People. Do You … [Read more...]
Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act Expands Telehealth Services to Medicare Patients
Senate lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill, the Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act, designed to extend telehealth services to Medicare patients. Under the new law, eligible hospitals would test telehealth services through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). The center would then evaluate the services for cost, effectiveness and … [Read more...]
How Much are Medicare Premiums?
Do you have to pay for Medicare?Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for most people. Medicare Part B (medical insurance) is based on your annual income. Medicare Part C (private health plan) is the same as Part B + the insurance carrier's additional premium amount (often $0). Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) start at about $20 per month, but … [Read more...]
How Can Beneficiaries Appeal Medicare Income Decisions?
How-to Appeal a Medicare Income DecisionYou have the right to appeal determination of premium amounts. File a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561-U2). Alternatively, go to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to file the appeal. An appeal is not necessary if you have experienced an event that has caused a decrease in income. If the … [Read more...]
How Is Beneficiary Income Calculated by Medicare?
How Does Medicare Calculate Income for Premiums?For most beneficiaries, Medicare pays approximately 75 percent of their Part B premium. For beneficiaries with higher incomes, Part B premiums will be 35, 50, 65 or 80 percent of the total cost of Part B, based income reported to the IRS. Higher income beneficiaries also pay more for their Part D premiums (additional … [Read more...]
Does Medicare Cover All Medical Expenses After Age 65?
Do you have to pay for Medicare, or is it free?Most people don't pay for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), however you do pay co-insurance and an annual deductible. There is a premium for Medicare Part B. It also has a deductible and co-insurance. After you pay your deductibles, you pay 20% of all Medicare-covered costs. [1] Medicare does not pay for dental … [Read more...]
