Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is only one of many government-funded private insurance programs offered to millions of seniors, low-income people, and individuals with disabilities. But when you add Medicare Supplement Plans Virginia, they can form a complex and confusing picture.
“Medicare”Medicaid” is both a federal and state program. Although their names are similar, there are several differences between the two. This article explains what each program is and how they work.
Medicare is a program that covers all the medically necessary services that are not provided by your employer. The federal government funds this program. While the current federal budget is set to run out at the end of the decade, the federal government is still paying for the benefits for those who qualify for Medicare as well as their dependents.
Medicaid is a separate program that finances medical coverage for lower-income adults who are unable to afford health insurance on their own. There are three types of Medicaid. They are:
There are also different types of Medicaid in Virginia. The following are examples:
If you are interested in getting one of these benefits, you should first check to see if you’re eligible for one of the above programs. (There are a few exceptions to these basic requirements. More information about these types of programs can be found here.) Once you are certain that you qualify, you should make sure that you have adequate funds in order to afford a Medicare Supplement Plan.
If you think that you might qualify for Medicaid, you should visit your local VA hospital or VA health care facility to inquire about eligibility. VA hospitals in Virginia that accept Medicaid patients should be able to provide a list of specific services and their corresponding deductibles. You will also be asked for proof of your income and assets, and sometimes your Social Security number will need to be verified.
Medicare is available to anyone who has reached the age of 62 or older. Anyone who is unable to work is considered to be disabled and is entitled to receive certain medical and disability benefits. Unfortunately, Medicaid is only available to certain groups of people.
Medicaid eligibility requirements are typically much more stringent than those for Medicare. Those who qualify for Medicaid may also have their assets (such as retirement accounts, stocks, or real estate) are subject to seizure by the federal government if they fail to pay their bills.
Individuals who are allowed to retain their assets may choose to do so. However, they must inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of any assets that they want to keep. To learn more about both programs, you should consult your local VA hospital or VA health care facility.
You can also apply for Medicare Supplement Plans on your own. You can do this online using a search engine such as Google or Yahoo. You will be required to fill out an application and answer questions about your income and assets.
When you make your application, it will be reviewed by a representative from your local VA hospital. When you get approved, you will be mailed a Medicare Supplement Plan Card, which you will need to use to purchase your plan.