5.1. Guide to Social Security Benefits (AIDS) Part 7 -- What You Need To Know About MedicAid And MediCare
Description
This article is from the AIDS FAQ, by Dan Greening with numerous contributions by others.
5.1. Guide to Social Security Benefits (AIDS) Part 7 -- What You Need To Know About MedicAid And MediCare
Medicaid and Medicare are our country's two major government-run
health insurance programs. Generally, people on SSI and other people
with low incomes qualify for Medicaid, while Medicare coverage is
earned by working in jobs covered by Social Security, for a railroad,
or for the federal government. Many people qualify for both Medicare
and Medicaid.
Medicaid Coverage
In most states, Social Security's decision that you are eligible for
SSI also makes you eligible for Medicaid coverage. (Check with your
local Social Security or Medicaid office to verify the requirements in
your state.)
State Medicaid programs are required to cover certain services,
including inpatient and outpatient hospital care and physician
services. States have the option to include other services, such as
intermediate care, hospice care, private duty nursing, and prescribed
drugs.
For more information about Medicaid, contact your local Medicaid agency.
Medicare Coverage
If you get Social Security disability, you will qualify for Medicare
coverage 24 months after the month you became entitled to those
benefits. Medicare helps pay for:
o inpatient and outpatient hospital care;
o doctor's services;
o diagnostic tests;
o skilled nursing care;
o home health visits;
o hospice care; and
o other medical services.
For more information about Medicare, call or visit your local Social
Security office to ask for the booklet Medicare (Publication
No. 05-10043).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information or to apply for benefits, call or visit Social
Security. It's easiest to call Social Security's toll-free telephone
number. The number is 1-800-772-1213. You can speak to a
representative 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each business day. The best times to
call are early in the morning, early in the evening, late in the week,
and toward the end of the month.
The Social Security Administration treats all calls
confidentially--whether they're made to our toll-free numbers or to
one of our local offices. We also want to ensure that you receive
accurate and courteous service. That's why we have a second Social
Security representative monitor some incoming and outgoing telephone
calls.
Note from the AIDS Information Center: This document reflects changes
in Social Security rules that took effect on July 2, 1993 and, also,
how SSA evaluates claims based on HIV/AIDS. Copies of this
publication, available in English and Spanish, can be ordered through
Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. The publication
numbers are 05-10020 (English) and 05-10920 (Spanish). For bulk
quantities call the Public Information Distribution Center at (410)
965-0945. The fax number for ordering publications is (410) 965-0696.
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