Texas Medicare Extra Help
Medicare Made Simple
Medicare & Extra Help in Texas
Medicare has four basic forms of coverage:
• Part A: Pays for hospitalization costs
• Part B: Medicare pays for physician services, lab and x-ray services, durable medical equipment, and outpatient and other services
• Part C: Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) offered by private companies approved by Medicare
• Part D: Assists with the cost of prescription drugs
Medicare enrollees with limited income and resources may get help paying for their premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses from Medicaid (e.g. MSPs, QMBs, SLBs, and QIs).
Medicaid also covers additional services beyond those provided under Medicare, including nursing facility care beyond the 100-day limit or skilled nursing facility care that Medicare covers, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. Services covered by both programs are first paid by Medicare with Medicaid filling in the difference up to the state’s payment limit.
There are special Medicare Advantage Plans called Dual Eligible Plans for individuals who qualify for Medicare and Extra Help (Medicaid).
Medicaid is a joint federal/state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.
State Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) programs help pay premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and prescription drug coverage costs.
PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a Medicare/Medicaid program that helps people meet healthcare needs in the community.
Qualify for extra help from Medicare to pay the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage if you meet certain income and resource limits.
Programs for people in U.S. territories
Programs in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and for people with limited income and resources.
Find your level of Extra Help (Part D)
Your level of extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs described on a purple, yellow, green, or orange colored notice from Medicare.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides free or low-cost health coverage for more than 7 million children up to age 19. CHIP covers U.S. citizens and eligible immigrants.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.
Where to apply for Medicaid:
If you have any questions about Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B), Extra Help, Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap), Medicare Advantage (Part C), or Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Ashford Insurance is at your service. For the best healthcare coverage at the very best price, why not give Ashford Insurance a call today?
You can also visit Texas Health & Human Services.
Source: medicare.gov