People use Medicare and Medicaid interchangeably, but they couldn’t be more different. Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for some people with limited income and resources.
How do plans differ if you’re on Medicare? What if you’re on Medicare and Medicaid?
You may have seen some Medicare-related commercials that promise a lot of benefits that seem too good to be true, such as your entire Part B premium being returned to you. While this may be true for folks on Medicare and Medicaid, it is not true for people that only have Medicare. These commercials are misleading in that they highlight the highest levels of extra benefits associated with many different plans in one commercial. This makes it appear like all plans have all of these benefits, but again this is not accurate. It’s important to understand which plan you qualify for in your particular county. Plans vary by county and state, so contacting an Elite Senior Insurance agent who specializes in Medicare plans is very important.
Folks on Medicare have the option of staying on original Medicare, purchasing a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy along with a Part D Prescription Drug Plan or enrolling in one of the many available Medicare Advantage plans in our state. Remember the Medicare Advantage plans vary by state and county. Your Elite Agent can run an analysis for you on most options in your state and county at no charge to you, to help you make a more informed decision.
People who have both Medicare and Medicaid have access to Dual Special Needs Plans, also known as D-SNP. This is a special type of Medicare Advantage coordinated-care plan. It is an all-in-one plan that combines your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, your Medicaid benefits and additional health benefits such as “over the counter”, vision, dental, transportation, and fitness. This years over the counter (or OTC) has been expanded by some carriers to include healthy foods, utility bill payment, internet, and even pet care. Again, not all D-SNP plans include all of these OTC options, so please contact your local Elite Agent for details.
Elite Senior Insurance is Here to Help
In summary, your plan options with Medicare or the combination of Medicare and Medicaid can vary depending on your location. Our agents at Elite Senior Insurance are here to ensure you find the best plan option for you and make everything crystal clear! As experts in their field, our agents study every plan, every year, for extra benefits and important updates, and can align your needs with them.
As you’re shopping for plans, keep Elite Senior Insurance in mind! Elite Senior Insurance agents serve all the counties in the mid-Atlantic states of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. Our team of licensed sales agents can help evaluate your plans quickly across all carriers and simplify the process for you. Contact us today online or visit our Facebook page.