Medicare Part A,B etc.
Annie Laurie
I am new to this group and I need a little help finding some info about
Medicare.
I am on SSI and Medicade, due to a stroke I had when I was in my 20s, so
I dont know anything about Medicare.
A friend of mine has just gotten his "fully favorable" letter from
Social Security.
Along with the letter was a yellw card explaining what to do if he
wanted to cancel the part B Medicare.
I assume he probally wants to keep his part B?
He has no other kind of insurance.
And they are taking out about $200 (total for Dec. and in advance for
Jan.)--- of his first monthly check.
I dont even know what part A, B, (C?), or D is!---------but I have a
feeling that it isnt simple------------ :(
Can someone help me get a basic understanding about it, please!!??
I know part D is for prescriptions and he has to do "something" by the
first of the year for the part D, but I dont know what.
I have read some of the previous posts and I am learning alot
allready!!!
Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appricated----------- :)
TIA!!!---------------- :)
Sony250---------2.9.1 upgrade
Six String Stu
"Annie Laurie" <ane...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:25921-4B3...@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net...
It's not surprising that you have no knowledge of medicare. Since you have
been on SSI and not SSDI.
But it's great to see you trying to help out your friend. :-)
Medicare Part A and B have to do with Hospitalization and Doctor visits.
There is no part C. Part D is, as you correctly assumed, for perscription
medications.
The best place to check for information is http://www.medicare.gov/.
Others will be chiming in with more particulars and it would be best to know
things like "Is your friend considered dual eligible" and is there any other
insurance plan within the family that covers ANY thing for your friend. The
reson for knowing the first question is that the state might pay the
Medicare premium every month. Called QMB I believe. They will also pay the
part D premium.
If your friend has low enough income there might also be assistance
available for heating assistance.
earthpots
> Hi everyone!!!------------ :)
>
> I am new to this group and I need a little help finding some info
> about Medicare.
>
> I am on SSI and Medicade, due to a stroke I had when I was in my 20s,
> so I dont know anything about Medicare.
>
> A friend of mine has just gotten his "fully favorable" letter from
> Social Security.
> Along with the letter was a yellw card explaining what to do if he
> wanted to cancel the part B Medicare.
>
> I assume he probally wants to keep his part B?
> He has no other kind of insurance.
> And they are taking out about $200 (total for Dec. and in advance for
> Jan.)--- of his first monthly check.
>
Unless he has insurance elsewhere, he should keep Part B, just ignore the
yellow card.
> I dont even know what part A, B, (C?), or D is!---------but I have a
> feeling that it isnt simple------------ :(
>
C is what they now call Medicare Advantage Plans. Don't worry about that as
there are no premiums for that taken out by SSA. You would only pay a
premium if you signed up for one, and a lot of people don't because they
have other insurance, Medigap policies or are eligible for Medicare Savings
Pland through Medicaid. A is coverage for hospitalization, B is for office
visits and diagnostic procedures such as lab work and x-rays. D is the
prescription program. B & D are optional, but there are penalties if you
delay in accepting them.
> Can someone help me get a basic understanding about it, please!!??
>
> I know part D is for prescriptions and he has to do "something" by the
> first of the year for the part D, but I dont know what.
>
He has to choose his prescription plan provider by the 1st of the new year.
I strongly recommend AARP. You don't have to be a senior, and you don't have
to pay for AARP membership to enroll in AARP's prescription plan. It is open
to any adult receiving Medicare.
> I have read some of the previous posts and I am learning alot
> allready!!!
>
> Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appricated----------- :)
>
Go to the Medicare website and look up the different parts and what they
cover. You can also find a list of providers for Part D, along with contact
info.
If his income from SSDI is low, around $1100 a month or less, he should also
qualify for the Medicare Savings Plan. For this, he must apply to the local
Social Services or Medicaid office for his state. If he qualifies, the plan
pays all of his premuims, co-payments and deductables for Medicare. It's
like a Medigap program, but it is through Medicaid. He would get a Medical
Assistance card for either the QMB or SLMB program, whichever he qualifies
for. Most doctors accept this, but not all. I have only had 2 that did not
take any Medical Assistance, though they did accept Medicare assignment. He
needs to sign-up ASAP, if he qualifies, the coverage would start in January,
and SSA will reimburse the Part B & Part D premiums they took out for
January. He might even get coverage for December, it all depends on the
cut-off date. But he needs to sign-up soon.
>
> TIA!!!---------------- :)
>
>
> Sony250---------2.9.1 upgrade
WebTV, I'm amazed Microsoft is still supporting that.
--
Carol
Contessa of Consternation
Known to leave foes discombobulated
Autistic Spectrum Code v.1.0
AS? d- s--:+ a+ c+ p+ t-- f S+ p@- e+ h- r- n+(-) i+ P m-() M
http://www32.brinkster.com/ascdecode/
"I have run rings around you logically". Monty Python
Email at clay_p...@nospam.com, removing the 'nospam' and replacing
with 'msn'.
Annie Laurie
That is a great link and I am slowly wading through it.
Thank you earthpots!!---------:)
You must have a wealth of information about SS because your post gave me
alot of the info I was looking for.
Yes, WebTv is still around-----------hanging on by its fingernails.
And it is still--------slow, aggrivating and un-reliable.
But it gets me where I want to go-------here (discuss groups etc.), and
somestimes the internet--------with the help of phonifier and other
tools.
I realized when I was reading at the site Six posted (may I call you by
your first name, Six?) that I forgot to give a very important piece of
info in my post.
My friend is a Veteran (Viet Nam) and has been going to the VA for his
medical care for about 3 yrs.
It dawned on me that, that fact poses another thing to
consider-----------how his Medicare might be affected, or on the other
hand--------how his VA might be affected by Medicare.
Sorry about my incomplete info in my first post!
He is not drawing any kind of pension from the VA. and he doesnt have
any co-pays with the VA.
He has no income now and his only income will be his SSD check.
Hmmmm---------this is getting more and more complicated!
Any and all info is greatly apprcated----------:)
I am glad I found this group and the people here who are willing to take
the time and effort to give good advice to people like me who dont know
where to start!!!--------------- :)
TIA-------------- :)
Sony250---------2.9.1
Annie Laurie
His monthly check will be about $900 before the Medicare deduction.
Six String Stu
> Thank you Six string Stu!!------------ :)
> That is a great link and I am slowly wading through it.
>
> Thank you earthpots!!---------:)
> You must have a wealth of information about SS because your post gave me
> alot of the info I was looking for.
I'll second that. Very consise information and a boon to our lil group. Jack
is another one who is of great assistance here. Kudos to them both.
>
> Yes, WebTv is still around-----------hanging on by its fingernails.
> And it is still--------slow, aggrivating and un-reliable.
> But it gets me where I want to go-------here (discuss groups etc.), and
> somestimes the internet--------with the help of phonifier and other
> tools.
Our internet radio is on a irc server that gets quite a few webtv'rs. The
chatrooms are a differnt experiance.
>
> I realized when I was reading at the site Six posted (may I call you by
> your first name, Six?) that I forgot to give a very important piece of
> info in my post.
LOL you can call me just about anything but late for a home cooked meal. fyi
I like iron skillet gravey made from chicken drippings on top of real mashed
potatoes (not that boxed crap).
> My friend is a Veteran (Viet Nam) and has been going to the VA for his
> medical care for about 3 yrs.
>
> It dawned on me that, that fact poses another thing to
> consider-----------how his Medicare might be affected, or on the other
> hand--------how his VA might be affected by Medicare.
This is where ol feely would come in handy. he was big time VA proponent,
with lots of good info on the subject.
>
> Sorry about my incomplete info in my first post!
>
> He is not drawing any kind of pension from the VA. and he doesnt have
> any co-pays with the VA.
Depending upon how far from the VA your friend is, it might be a good idea
to get his meds from them. I believe they even do this through the mail.
Quite possiby he doesn't even need part D (but check with someone with more
knowledge then I !)
>
> He has no income now and his only income will be his SSD check.
>
> Hmmmm---------this is getting more and more complicated!
>
Beuracrasy is never simple. That's what these folks are here for. :)
earthpots
> Knew I forgot something----------else!
>
> His monthly check will be about $900 before the Medicare deduction.
He can get QMB, which is the better of the Medicare Savings Plans provided
by your state Medicaid. The sooner he applies, the more likely he will get
retroactive coverage for December, and coverage for January. SSA will
reimburse the money they took out to cover his Medicare Premiums, once the
state Medicaid picks him up. I suggest going midweek to apply, as Mondays
and Fridays tend to be the busiest days at Social Services and Medicaid. And
to save any delays; bring his Award Letter from SSA, and a birth certificate
and drivers license or state ID card, and Social Security Card. And if he
has any assets such as bank account(s), investments,
life insurance policy, etc.
Since he might qualify for help with his fuel/electric, he should bring his
utility bill(s), as he can apply for them while there. Depending on assets,
he might qualify for food stamps, but maybe only $10. He has to have under
$2000 in assets to get the $10 though. That's the only thing keeping me from
getting them, my assets exceed the limit. QMB's assets restrictions are
$4000, and does not include a car or house and most personal belongings.
Also, he qualifies for the Extra Help with Medicare D. Those in the Extra
Help program get help with their co-
pays on prescriptions. There is information about that on the medicare
website in the section dealing with Part D. There is no doughnut hole if you
get the Extra Help, and when you have met a certain payment threshold, you
pay nothing. I usually hit that threshold late summer.
earthpots
> Thank you Six string Stu!!------------ :)
> That is a great link and I am slowly wading through it.
>
> Thank you earthpots!!---------:)
> You must have a wealth of information about SS because your post gave
> me alot of the info I was looking for.
>
You're welcome, glad to have been of help.
> Yes, WebTv is still around-----------hanging on by its fingernails.
> And it is still--------slow, aggrivating and un-reliable.
> But it gets me where I want to go-------here (discuss groups etc.),
> and somestimes the internet--------with the help of phonifier and
> other tools.
>
I ditched it 6 years ago, have been on a PC for the past 7 years. I was on
dial-up and did MSNTV's 2 for 1 plan, where if you use MSN dialup for a PC,
you get MSNTV/WEBTV service free. But when I switched to Verizon DSL, that
ended the WEBTV. Had an RCA Plus RW200, I think it was. I sold the whole
package, including the HP e-scanner and a compatable digital camera to some
very happy guy who does eBay from one. I even had a spare RCA Plus I bought
from a liquidator off eBay for $2.50 plus $5 shipping. I sold it on ebay and
made money as it went for $79. It was brand new in the box.
> I realized when I was reading at the site Six posted (may I call you
> by your first name, Six?) that I forgot to give a very important
> piece of info in my post.
> My friend is a Veteran (Viet Nam) and has been going to the VA for his
> medical care for about 3 yrs.
>
> It dawned on me that, that fact poses another thing to
> consider-----------how his Medicare might be affected, or on the other
> hand--------how his VA might be affected by Medicare.
>
There are people out there with both.
> Sorry about my incomplete info in my first post!
>
> He is not drawing any kind of pension from the VA. and he doesnt have
> any co-pays with the VA.
>
> He has no income now and his only income will be his SSD check.
>
I wonder if he might be eligible for some kind of benefits from VA? Sure
wouldn't hurt to inquire. Anything he'd get from VA shouldn't affect SSDI.
> Hmmmm---------this is getting more and more complicated!
>
I think you will find the Medicare website very useful, and answers to many
questions can be found there.
> Any and all info is greatly apprcated----------:)
>
> I am glad I found this group and the people here who are willing to
> take the time and effort to give good advice to people like me who
> dont know where to start!!!--------------- :)
>
> TIA-------------- :)
>
> Sony250---------2.9.1
--
earthpots
> "Annie Laurie" <ane...@webtv.net> wrote in message
> news:26442-4B3...@storefull-3253.bay.webtv.net...
>> Thank you Six string Stu!!------------ :)
>> That is a great link and I am slowly wading through it.
>>
>> Thank you earthpots!!---------:)
>> You must have a wealth of information about SS because your post
>> gave me alot of the info I was looking for.
>
> I'll second that. Very consise information and a boon to our lil
> group. Jack is another one who is of great assistance here. Kudos to
> them both.
Thanks for the Kudos, I try.
>>
>> Yes, WebTv is still around-----------hanging on by its fingernails.
>> And it is still--------slow, aggrivating and un-reliable.
>> But it gets me where I want to go-------here (discuss groups etc.),
>> and somestimes the internet--------with the help of phonifier and
>> other tools.
>
> Our internet radio is on a irc server that gets quite a few webtv'rs.
> The chatrooms are a differnt experiance.
>
IRC has always been WebTv friendly.
>>
>> I realized when I was reading at the site Six posted (may I call you
>> by your first name, Six?) that I forgot to give a very important
>> piece of info in my post.
>
> LOL you can call me just about anything but late for a home cooked
> meal. fyi I like iron skillet gravey made from chicken drippings on
> top of real mashed potatoes (not that boxed crap).
>
>> My friend is a Veteran (Viet Nam) and has been going to the VA for
>> his medical care for about 3 yrs.
>>
>> It dawned on me that, that fact poses another thing to
>> consider-----------how his Medicare might be affected, or on the
>> other hand--------how his VA might be affected by Medicare.
>
> This is where ol feely would come in handy. he was big time VA
> proponent, with lots of good info on the subject.
>
>>
>> Sorry about my incomplete info in my first post!
>>
>> He is not drawing any kind of pension from the VA. and he doesnt have
>> any co-pays with the VA.
>
> Depending upon how far from the VA your friend is, it might be a good
> idea to get his meds from them. I believe they even do this through
> the mail. Quite possiby he doesn't even need part D (but check with
> someone with more knowledge then I !)
Why not do both? Since this guy qualifies for QMB of the Medicare Savings
Plans through Medicaid, he has his Part D premium covered. He also qualifies
for the Extra Help, so his co-pays are very low. Plus, when he passes the
payment threshold, meds are free. Use whichever plan gives you the most bang
for your bucks.
>>
>> He has no income now and his only income will be his SSD check.
>>
>> Hmmmm---------this is getting more and more complicated!
>>
>
> Beuracrasy is never simple. That's what these folks are here for. :)
>
Passing on what we learned through trial and error, and plundering through
pages of gov'mentspeak that the beaurocrats use.
>> Any and all info is greatly apprcated----------:)
>>
>> I am glad I found this group and the people here who are willing to
>> take the time and effort to give good advice to people like me who
>> dont know where to start!!!--------------- :)
>>
>> TIA-------------- :)
>>
>> Sony250---------2.9.1
--
SoundChaser
news:hgsmqi$sba$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
> Annie Laurie wrote:
>> Knew I forgot something----------else!
>>
>> His monthly check will be about $900 before the Medicare deduction.
>
> He can get QMB, which is the better of the Medicare Savings Plans
> provided by your state Medicaid. The sooner he applies, the more
> likely he will get retroactive coverage for December, and coverage
> for January. SSA will reimburse the money they took out to cover his
> Medicare Premiums, once the state Medicaid picks him up. I suggest
> going midweek to apply, as Mondays and Fridays tend to be the
> busiest days at Social Services and Medicaid. And to save any
> delays; bring his Award Letter from SSA, and a birth certificate and
> drivers license or state ID card, and Social Security Card. And if
> he has any assets such as bank account(s), investments,
> life insurance policy, etc.
>
> Since he might qualify for help with his fuel/electric, he should
> bring his utility bill(s), as he can apply for them while there.
> Depending on assets, he might qualify for food stamps, but maybe
> only $10. He has to have under $2000 in assets to get the $10
> though. That's the only thing keeping me from getting them, my
> assets exceed the limit. QMB's assets restrictions are $4000, and
> does not include a car or house and most personal belongings. Also,
> he qualifies for the Extra Help with Medicare D. Those in the Extra
> Help program get help with their co-
> pays on prescriptions.
Extra Help pays my Pt D premiums and pretty much everything else
drug-related with an exception or two that make no sense...
There is information about that on the medicare
> website in the section dealing with Part D. There is no doughnut
> hole if you get the Extra Help,
I was not aware of that; I get Extra Help. They are very odd, they
will NOT pay for my valium, but have no problems giving me Vicodin for
free.
Six String Stu
> Six String Stu wrote:
>> "Annie Laurie" <ane...@webtv.net> wrote in message
>> news:26442-4B3...@storefull-3253.bay.webtv.net...
>>> Thank you Six string Stu!!------------ :)
>>> That is a great link and I am slowly wading through it.
>>>
>>> Thank you earthpots!!---------:)
>>> You must have a wealth of information about SS because your post
>>> gave me alot of the info I was looking for.
>>
>> I'll second that. Very consise information and a boon to our lil
>> group. Jack is another one who is of great assistance here. Kudos to
>> them both.
>
> Thanks for the Kudos, I try.
Pop come to mind too.
Each of us have our own flavor to add to the mix and we don't allways agree
on every topic 'cept for one. That being Jack is da man!
Try getting inventive with search terms and if you see anything from him,
then take it as pure fact.
SoundChaser
news:d30fe$4b328249$45395f87$27...@ispn.net...
be gone for so long. Or did I miss something?
earthpots
Valium must not be in the formulary. I don't get coverage for my Armour
Thyroid either. I use this; http://www.yourrxcard.com/ Chain pharmacies are
in the network, and even my local mom & pop paharmacy accepts this card. I
pay around $5 a month (have to buy a minmum of 100) for my thyroid meds. If
you have to use Valium, this will save you some money. What I pay now, for
100 pills of Armour Thyroid, is slightly less than what I used to pay foer a
30 day supply. So, I am now paying less than a 3rd. You sign-up and print
out your card right from your PC. Another benefit I like from it; I can use
it to pay for any meds for Calleigh the cat, just by asking the Vet to write
a prescription I can fill at the pharmacy. Cheap bright-pink colored
bubble-gum flavored Amoxicillin!
Six String Stu
"SoundChaser" <b...@sleep.home> wrote in message
news:hgui0d$gsd$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
David "Doc" Leifheit
news:hgsmqi$sba$1...@news.eternal-september.org:
> Depending on assets, he might qualify for food stamps, but maybe only
> $10. He has to have under $2000 in assets to get the $10 though.
> That's the only thing keeping me from getting them, my assets exceed
> the limit. QMB's assets restrictions are $4000, and does not include a
> car or house and most personal belongings.
That's interesting.
Since I would lose the QMB before I'd lose Food Stamps. But I think it's
the income limits, QMB has a lower limit... I barely qualify for the QMB
with my SSDI income, but I easily qualify for Food Stamps.
earthpots
Yup. Income limits are different. My income qualifies me for both, and when
I did get Food Stamps, it was $10, and my income is a little lower than what
the person the OP mentioned would get. People who get SLMB can get Food
Stamps, and that has higher income and assets ($6000) than QMB, but less
coverage. A lady in my building gets SLMB, and the $10 a month in Food
Stamps. Her income is a little higher than the OP's person mentioned. The
Food Stamps have been recalculated since I was on them, so possibly my
income would allow for more. I did dispose of one of my assets, so I might
try re-applying; I think I might just be inder the $2000 limit, but not
sure.
Problem is I have a Life Insurance policy, and the cash value alone of that
is a little over $1500. There has been talks in govt of eliminating Life
Insurance policies, and doing what they do now with cars and real estate.
Now, you can have 1 car and your primary residence/home not count as assets
for govt programs. Several Bills have been attempted to eliminate life
Insurance with the reasoning that low-income people shouldn't be penalized
for having them. The reason they were excluded was that people can borrow
against them; but they can bowwow against a car and house too.
The gov'ment likes to make things complicated. ;-)
SoundChaser
happened to him I dunno what we'd all do...
Annie Laurie
I have been surfing and reading more about Medicare etc. and I "think"
I am beginning to get a handle on alot of it.
Mostly from HERE------------ :)
I am still trying to get an understanding about the VA part of it and
how the VA/Medicare might affect each other.
Years ago we sorted through all that VA stuff and I kept all the
paperwork we had to do for his medical care through the VA.
He pays $0 and that covers EVERYTHING.
The VA he goes to, where we live (Ala.) is very good and he has received
excellent care.
The medical records he has from the VA (especially his Primary Care Dr.)
were very good and helped him "win" his SSD claim---------and a
excellent attorney.
(I think it is pretty sad that you have to "win" what is
yours------------bt that is a whole OTHER thing that I dont want to get
started on right now!!------Lol!!)
After 3 yrs. from his innitial (1st) application/denial, through the
(2nd) application/denial he got his--------fully favorable letter
WITHOUT the hearing before the Adminstrative Law Judge!
In other words----------he never sould have been denied in the first
place!!!
My hats off (and in the air) to "our" VA and to our soldiers and
veterans!!!---------- :)
I have heard from alot of people-------vets etc. at the VA hospilal (and
they have "satellite" clinics) that alot of the VA hospitals are not as
good as the one we go to.
Anyway, I am thinking that calling the VA might be the place for us to
start tomorrow?
I just wish I had a good understanding how one might affect the
other-------VA/Medicare/Medicade (QMB, SLMB etc.)
It helps to know the right questions to ask---------kinna helps in
getting the right answers-------- :)
I am wading through the VA website that I have saved (from yrs.
ago-------but dont remember alot of)
Maybe I will run across something helpful there.
I ran across a 800# for-------SHIP, regarding Medicare (cant rember if
it was here) but I only talked to them briefly last week.
1-800-243-5463.
P.S. I hope Bro. Jack is allright too----------:-! probally just doing
Christmas stuff.
TIA!!!------------ :)
Sony250----------2.9.1