Are Medicare and Medicaid the same thing?

No. Medicare is your Healthcare. Medicaid is a low income program.

Who is Eligible for Medicare A and B?

You are Medicare A and B eligible if you are 65 or older or have received disability payments for 2+ years.

Who is Eligible for Medicaid?

People of a low income as per determined in accordance with their state's law.

How do I become eligible for benefits for food?

Medicaid is a requirement in all states, with the exception of states that allow Chronic Special Needs Plans, which offer a smaller portion of food benefits to people with diagnosed conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease.

What is Low Income Subsidy?

A program that works both with and independent of Medicaid eligibility to lower the cost of prescriptions.

How are my Medicare Benefits Determined?

Eligibility is determined by many factors, your state, zip code, carrier, employer coverages, military coverages, what's included in recommended policies, your cost ceilings, how often you go to the doctor, which doctors you go to, your prescriptions, your eligibility for Medicaid, the year, it's a lot but its all equally important.

How much does Medicare cost?

Medicare A has a deductible but no monthly premium. Medicare B has a  174.70 premium 2024, estimated to increase to $185 next year. Medicare Advantage has in 90% of their plans a $0 premium. Medicare Supplement has an additional monthly premium.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage is provided by carriers and is also referred to as part C coverage, it is complemented with Hearing, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage built into it at no additional cost. It also lowers the 20% gap left from Medicare A and Medicare B to manageable coinsurances or copays determinate by your policy.

What is Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Supplement is also provided by carriers and is referred to as Medigap, although it does not pay for hearing, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, it does pay for your medical and hospital expenses for you ahead of time, which is great for someone of high medical need who visits the doctor frequently. People with Medicaid have all their expenses paid for them already though, and cannot be offered Medicare Supplement.

Doesn't Medicare A and B cover everything?

You are left with 20% medical and hospital expenses. So say you get a $100,000 medical bill, and you are responsible for 20%, that's $20,000! Plus you still may need hearing, dental, vision, or prescription coverage to lower your other costs so you don't pay 100% cost out of your pocket!