Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Yes. If someone is entitled to Medicaid and they can become entitled to Medicare, welfare REQUIRES that they sign up for Medicare. Why? Because it lessens the expenses of the welfare program. If she does not sign up for Medicare and welfare finds out that she could have they will not pay ANY of her medical expenses.

Some people can still have Medicaid coverage even if they are no longer entitled to SSI; it just depends upon how low the Social Security survivor’s benefit is. Your mother should see if welfare will pay her Medicare premiums, co-pays and deductibles. They do, also depending upon the amount of the survivor benefit.

She needs to: 1) Sign up for Medicare and 2) Go to welfare office with a copy of her award letter telling what the amount of her Social Security widow’s benefit is. If she doesn’t have the award notice, then she needs a referral from Social Security. Welfare needs proof of her monthly benefit amount. Request welfare to pay her premiums, co-pays and deductibles and find out if she will still have Medicaid coverage.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

There are two types of policies available. A Medicare Supplement, or Medi-gap, and a Medicare Advantage.

With the Medicare Supplement all plans are exactly the same, controlled by the government. Most people have plan F. A plan F with one company is exactly the same as a plan F with another. The only difference is price. In my area the average plan F premium for someone age 65 is around $150 and goes up with each year older. Some companies may not accept her because of the surgery. Part D prescription drug coverage is not included so she’ll need a separate Part D plan.

The Medicare Advantage plans can be different between companies. They all have to cover the same but some companies will enhance the plan. There are small co-pays when you use medical services. A supplement doesn’t have co-pays. The Medicare Advantage plans will cover an annual physical while a supplement does not. The average premium in my area is $26 per month no matter what your age and many have a $0 premium. All companies will accept her with the surgery. Some have Part D included.

This is much more complicated so my advise is to visit a local independent agent who deals with senior policies. The plans and premiums are exactly the same whether you use an agent or buy directly from a company.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Her monthly premium would depend on how much her social security is. Medicare will can give you a list of the ones that cost less. They were very helpful to me when I was looking for a policy.
Since she will soon turn 66, she can choose a plan starting in November of this year. Try and find one that covers prescription drugs and hospitalization. I did not have a Medigap program because it was too expensive. I waited until I turned 65 and was fortunate enough that nothing drastic happened to me during that time.
The newest and best way to go for us seniors now is a Medicare Advantage Plan. The company you choose will file all the premiums for you, Medicare pays them, and you have no bill other than the monthly premium which can be as low as $40 a month. Drugs can be as low as $2.15 to $25. Doctor visits will only be $10 each and a referral doctor will be $25.00.

I cannot pick one for you because they are different in each state. Just begin early by contacting Medicare and asking for a booklet listing the best Medical Advantage Plans.

Best wishes to you. I had to handle this myself and I asked them every question in the book. My plan is state-based. Don’t give up, just keep looking even if you have to go through 10-12 ompanies to get a good result. Also, find one that your mother’s physician is on. She will not need a high paying program that offers little service.

Best wishes.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

The question that needs to be answered is: Have you applied for Medicaid in Illinois?

If you have not, you will need to do this. Medicaid is a State Program and you have to do this in each new State you move into. When you apply they will know, from the questions that you answer, that you are on Medicare. Take your questions to your nearest office and, I’m sure, your benefit will be restored right along with your Medicaid Benefit.

This is the way it was done when I trained as an Eligibility Worker, and I don’t think that part of it has changed.

Good Luck!

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

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