Seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called dual eligibles.
Medicare is a nationwide health insurance program for senior citizens. The program is meant to help the elderly afford adequate quality health care, but Medicare is not free. Medicare comes in four parts, and each part has its own premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance costs. Medicare Savings Programs, part of Medicaid, are offered in many states to help low-income seniors pay for Medicare's out-of-pocket costs. Louisiana offers help to three categories of Medicare beneficiaries, who must meet certain requirements before receiving aid.
Asset Test
All Medicare beneficiaries in Louisiana who wish to apply for Medicare Savings Program assistance must pass an asset test. In 2010, an individual cannot have more than $6,600 in countable assets and still qualify for assistance. Couples cannot have more than $9,910 in combined assets. Countable assets include all bank accounts, cash, annuities, stocks, bonds and vehicles. They generally do not include household goods, your residence or burial plots.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries
If you are a single person with a gross income of $903 or less per month, or a couple with a gross monthly income of $1,215, and you pass the asset test, you are classified as a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB). QMBs can receive the most benefits through the Medicare Savings Program, which pays for all your monthly Medicare premiums for Original Medicare Parts A and B, as well as well as all deductibles and coinsurance. It will also pay the monthly premium for Part D prescription drug insurance up to $35.
Specified Low-Income Beneficiaries
If you meet the asset test and make less than $1,083 per month (singles) or $1,457 (couples), you are classified as a Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary. As an SLMB, you receive benefits to pay for the Part B monthly premium and up to $35 of your Part D policy only. SLMBs do not get help with Part A or with deductibles and coinsurance.
Qualified Individuals
Louisiana Medicare beneficiaries who pass the asset test and make less than $1,219 for singles or $1,640 as a couple are called Qualified Individuals (QI-1). Though QI-1s are a separate category from SLMBs, they receive the same help with Medicare. Qualified Individuals receive coverage for the monthly Part B premiums and up to $35 in premium payments for Part D prescription drug plans.
Application
If you think you may be eligible for Louisiana's Medicare Savings Program, you will need to complete an application or apply online. Paper forms are available at your local Medicaid office or through the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals website. Once completed, you will need to return it to the Medicaid office. You will also need to supply your Medicaid office with documentation of your Social Security number, income and Medicare insurance.
Tags: Medicare Savings, asset test, Medicare Savings Program, Savings Program, Louisiana Medicare
