Page 61 - Book11E

How Soon Does Coverage Begin After I Apply?
Your coverage may be retroactive up to 3 months before your applica- tion, if you would have been eligible during those three months. That means that any medical bills accumulated during those three months can be paid by Medicaid. Your eligibility for those three months will be determined when you apply.
Is Medicare the Same as Medicaid?
No. Medicare is a health insurance program for:
• people age 65 or older,
• people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and
• people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
Medicare has three types of coverage:
Part A Hospital Insurance: Most people don't pay a premium for Part A because they or a spouse already paid for it through their pay- roll taxes while working. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, including critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home healthcare. Beneficiaries must meet certain conditions to get these benefits.
Part B Medical Insurance: Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. Medicare Part B helps cover doctors’ services and outpatient care. It also covers some other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover, such as some of the services of physical and occupational thera- pists, and some home healthcare. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary.
Prescription Drug Coverage: Most people will pay a monthly premium for this coverage. Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to
Federal Resources for Health Care Coverage 53