Question:
How can you get both Medicare and Medicaid?

I noticed that many people have Social Security disability and yet still get Medicare and Medicaid yet neither of my parents have been abke to do so and I am wondering what they may be doing wrong? They both could use this surgery to improve their health especially my father and yet I can't get any answers. Can anyone help by pointing me in the right direction and by giving me pointers on how they can get approved quickly? Please.. Thank you. Jennifer    — JigglyJen (posted on December 29, 2004)

December 29, 2004
Social Security recipients are all eligible for Medicare after 1 year, I believe. Medicaid is different . . . depends on the state, but subject to income levels. A couple, both on SS, are prolly above limits. BUt check. A call to SS will tell you whether they have Medicare (part A). Part B is the plan that covers Dr. visits, outpatient stuff, and requires a monthly payment. You prolly apply for Medicaid thru local Welfare office.
   — RWH G.

December 29, 2004
I have Medicare because of disability. I carry both Part A and B and pay a monthly premium which comes out of my disability check. I haven't had the surgery yet. I am still waiting on an available date from my surgeon. Medicare will not cover all of the expense. I think about 80% and I will have to come up with the rest. Medicaid is only available for extremely low income families as far as I know.
   — Loretta D.

December 29, 2004
Medicaid is for very low income families. My parents have medicare & do not qualify for medicaid.Neither do I. I have medicare part A&B...I do know that medicare DOES require 18 consecutive months of documented diets with a MD !! I am using my supplement insurance for the surgery.
   — yellow T.

December 29, 2004
In order to get both Medicaid and Medicare you need to be on disability and not get as much as a person on SSI gets. In this way you also get SSI and along with SSI comes Medicaid automatically. SSI now is 579 a month. Not much but that's what it takes. I'm on both. Stes
   — StesPaige

December 30, 2004
You get 'medicare' when you retire OR if you are disabled. You get 'medicaid' if you are low income. Your parents arent doing anything wrong' they most likely just have to much income coming in to qualify for medicaid.
   — star .

December 30, 2004
I know individuals who have had this surgery and it was paid by Medicaid in one instance and Medicare in more than one other. I recall one person was retired and another two were disabled, probably one receiving SSI and another SSDI. There was publicity recently at the Federal level approving Medicaid and Medicare to pay for weight loss surgery since obesity is a medical problem and public health issue. May I suggest your parents consult with a local attorney who specializes in Social Security benefits. Good Luck.
   — susan D.

December 30, 2004
Someone answered that you get Medicaid automatically with social security disability, this is not true for every state. I know that you must apply for Medicaid in order to even be screened for eligibility. As with anyone applying for Medicaid, you must be within certain income limits to be approved. If you are low income, have children and no insurance, you may be able to apply for Medicaid at your local soc. svc. office. Generally, in order for an adult to get Medicaid they must be disabled and low income. But if you have children under the age of 18 I believe, you can apply for Medicaid for them as well as yourself. If approved, your children will have "free" medical care, if you will, and the adult/parent will also have "free" medical care for most medical problems. Sometimes there is a very low co pay for medical treatment. Medication is free to children but again a very small co pay amount for adults. It would be best to get in touch with your soc. svc. office to set up an appointment to be screened for eligibility of Medicaid. I had Medicaid for my RNY and they paid all but $100 of my surgery. Good Luck!
   — Marni

December 30, 2004
Go to the website medicare.gov and they have a questioniare that you can fill out to see if you qualify for medicaid subsidy help they have different levels depending on your needs and income you can get anywhere from your medicare preimums covered and medications and co-pays to just the co-pays. IF you qualify for any medicaid help then you go to a special case worker at the welfare office who handles this for the aged and disabled. Nancy
   — nefish