Archive for category Health Insurance
Medicaid vs Medicare
Posted by in Health Insurance on July 9, 2011
Just like there’s confusion over the difference between SSDI and SSI, there’s confusion over the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.
So, here in a nutshell, is the definition of each.
Medicare – the very same health plan that retired people over 65 enjoy – can be obtained after receiving SSDI for 24 months. (NOTE: ONCE YOU QUALIFY FOR SSDI, YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR 29 MONTHS BEFORE RECEIVING YOUR FIRST CHECK.) Medicare has two parts: Part A, which you pay for through your payroll taxes, and which covers overnight hospital bills, hospices, home health care and very limited, partial nursing home care. And Part B, three-fourths of which is paid for by federal income tax, and one-fourth ($84.00 a month in 2006, deducted from your SSDI check) by you. It pays for doctor, ambulance, emergency room, clinic and most other outpatient care (except drugs and nutritional products).
As of May 15th, 2006, Medicare now has a Part D which covers partial payment of prescriptions. Most people who qualify for Medicare select a “Supplement” package that covers additional things such as Doctor visits (minus the co-pay) and other things usually covered by a Health Insurance Plan. You have to pay extra for this. If you become eligible for Medicare after May 15th, 2006, you have to select a carrier for Part D. This can be included in your “supplemental” package, as mine is, or it can be a separate coverage.
Medicaid is run by the state and local governments. It completely covers hospitalization, clinic visits, emergency room visits, doctors’ visits, hospices, home health care, nursing home stays, ambulance and outpatient prescription drugs. Medicaid has very small co-payments for prescriptions, doctor visits and some other care. While all hospitals and almost all drug stores accept Medicaid, most doctors don’t, and many home health agencies, nursing homes, and hospices are also reluctant to accept Medicaid. People on SSI are eligible for Medicaid, and in most but not all of the states in the nation, SSI sends lists of recipients to the local government, which then automatically sends Medicaid cards out to them. But in some states, you must always apply separately for Medicaid at the welfare office, even if you’re on SSI. Read the rest of this entry »
Insurance for Pregnant Women – A Necessity When You Get Pregnant
Posted by in Health Insurance on July 9, 2011
41 million people in the country don’t have any form of health insurance. This is extremely worrying, especially because 13% of them are pregnant women. These women who either don’t have any health insurance for pregnant women or who have plans that don’t cover for maternity are unlikely to get prenatal care, which is essential for their health and for the development of the baby. Pregnant women can’t get insurance for pregnant women after they got pregnant because the great majority of the insurance companies refuse them based on pre-existing condition.
There is however Medicaid which considers pregnancy an acceptable condition. Medicaid is especially created to help low income women. Unfortunately, there are women who don’t qualify for it and still can’t afford to pay for prenatal care and delivery from the pocket. A normal delivery can cost between $6000 and $8000. It can get even more expensive if there are complications or if a C-section is required. Child birth can even go up to $10.000 in such situations. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act mentions that pregnancy is not actually a pre-existing condition. Nevertheless, coverage for pregnant woman can still be denied based on other reasons. It is important for women who plan to make babies to check if their current health plan includes maternity coverage. They might not be covered at all for this situation.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have insurance for pregnant women and you got pregnant. As mentioned above, Medicaid accepts pregnant women. Don’t just assume that you don’t qualify for it. Your income might give you right to benefit of health insurance through Medicaid. Unless you check it, you can’t be sure. If you really don’t qualify, then go to your local health department. They have information on other programs that might help you. Information about health care discount programs can also be found online or at your doctor’s office. Read the rest of this entry »