Qualifying for Medicare hardly means free health care — there are still premiums and deductibles. However, people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (called “dual eligibility”) receive help paying their out-of-pocket costs. Medicare is a federal program available to anyone 65 or older. It consists of four major parts, each of which have premiums […]

Though most people have heard of Medicare and Medicaid, for many the terms are vague and have little application to their lives. People know that both are social insurance programs provided by the government, but unless they have a specific need they rarely know more than that, and have a difficult time differentiating between the

For those individuals receiving SSI or Medicaid, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its SSI and Spousal Impoverishment Standards for 2021. The official spousal impoverishment allowances for 2021 are as follows: Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA): $2,115.00 Maximum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance: $3,259.50 Minimum Community Spouse Resource Allowance: $26,076.00 Maximum

“What is Medicaid?” It is one of the most common questions we get. The short answer: Medicaid is a program that provides low-cost healthcare services for applicants who meet the necessary qualifications. The covered services will vary depending on the recipient’s state of residence, and whether they live at-home, in the community, or in an

For those individuals receiving SSI or Medicaid, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its SSI and Spousal Impoverishment Standards for 2020. The official spousal impoverishment allowances for 2020 are as follows: Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA): $2,113.75 thru July 1,2020 Maximum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance: $3,216 Minimum Community Spouse Resource

Open enrollment for Medicare begins on October 15 and continues until December 7, 2019. With the date quickly approaching to select your Medicare coverage for 2020, understanding your choices and what may be best for you is essential. During open enrollment, you will have the option to make changes to your Medicare plan. You can

If you or someone close to you has arthritis, you know how challenging it can be to manage the symptoms. According to the American Geriatrics Society, approximately half of seniors 65 or older have arthritis, and managing this chronic condition can be tricky as any part of the body can be afflicted. Managing the pain

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and obesity are common in seniors with approximately 85% of those over 65 having at least one chronic health concern according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends implementing preventive measures such as lifestyle changes for those 50 and older to stop

Family members who care for the elderly may be eligible to be paid by Medicaid. When a senior needs ongoing daily care, often the family members assume the responsibility of transporting the individual to doctor appointments, tests, and daily errands. Many family members also have to give up jobs or work fewer hours to provide