URBAN CALL — HEALTHY LIVING EVERY DAY!
Get extra help! How Medicare & Medicaid work together Reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD
Although they may sound similar, Medicare and Medicaid are two very different programs. One is intended to provide health care to the elderly and/or disabled while the other offers healthcare to the poor. Millions of Americans are eligible for both programs, 8.3 million according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These beneficiaries are referred to as dual eligible. Understanding how the programs work together will help you make the most of your healthcare experience. Medicare eligibility is the same regardless of where you
live. It is set by the federal government. To be eligible for Medicare, you need to be 65 years or older or have a qualifying disability. In addition, you must also meet U.S. citizenship or permanent legal residency requirements. Medicaid eligibility, on the other hand, varies geographically. Although the federal government sets the minimal program requirements, the program itself is run by the individual states. Each state has the option to adjust their eligibility standards. Medicaid is intended to offer health care to individuals with low income across various categories: children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. With the passage of the Affordable
Inside... Silver Sneakers
Segmented Marketing Services, Inc. Founder & CEO
Lafayette Jones
Publisher, Urban Call; SMSi-Urban Call Marketing, Inc. President & CEO
Care Act, adults without children could also be covered if their state accepted the terms of Medicaid Expansion. Some people with limited resources and income also may be able to get Extra Help with the costs
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Eating Healthy
Dual Eligibility
Member ID: HXXXXXXXX
CARD ISSUED: MM/DD/YYYY
Patrick Farley
A Medicare Health Plan with Prescription Drug Coverage
MEMBER NAME
Patti LaBelle
Carrying these cards? Humana Gold Plus (HMO SNP)
— monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments — related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,900 per year. Many people qualify for these big savings and don’t even know it.
Medicare Plan to Complement Veterans Benefits...3
Medicare Assistance
SHIIP
YMCA
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Sandra Miller Jones
Then you may also be able to carry this card and get even more benefits!
4 Carrying These Cards?
By Tanya Feke, MD
Medicare
Welcome to another Urban Call special edition helping you to learn about your Medicare and Medicaid options. There are many most people don’t know about. For example, individuals who receive both Medicare and Medicaid coverage could receive up to $300 every quarter in over-the-counter vitamins, pain relievers and other products, at no cost to them. There is also extra help for individuals and families with limited income. SMSi Community Ambassadors & Partners are spreading the word on these opportunities.Contact us at 336-759-7477 or SMSiPartners@SMSi-Net.com.
Medicare & You
THE OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT MEDICARE HANDBOOK
MEDICARE
& YOU CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) publishes the official U.S. government handbook, “Medicare & You.” It answers many detailed questions. To get a printed 2019 copy visit your nearest Social Security office. You can view the handbook online at (medicare. gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/10050-medicare-andyou.pdf). Medicare’s toll free telephone number is (800) 633-4227.