Good health is important to everyone, but with skyrocketing medical costs and a slumping economy now is harder than ever to pay for good quality Health Care. If you can't afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can help provide the resources necessary to ensure you and your family have a long and healthy life
Medicaid is a state run program for low-income individuals and families. Many groups of people can gain access to Medicaid as long as they meet certain requirements set forth by their State's Medicaid administration. Medicaid requirements can include age, whether or not you are pregnant, disabled, your financial standing or if you are a US citizen.
Resources For Medicare Beneficiaries
October 24, 2011
Now that the Medicare enrollment period has begun, it is important for those re-applying to review and compare their current coverage plans with the new plan offers. New applicants, on the other hand, are advised to check out the new plan offerings as well.
Here are several ways to get information about the new Medicare plans:
The Medicare Website (www.medicare.gov)
The Medicare website has a Medicare Plan Finder tool and an efficient review of the different plan options. These allow users to get personalized comparisons of costs and coverage of plans being offered in their area.
Medicare Hotline
For those who do not have an Internet connection at home, they can call 1-800-633-4227. A representative will assist you with your needs. Multilanguage counseling is available as well.
2012 Medicare and You Handbook
This resource is available to existing Medicare beneficiaries. It’s usually sent to the homes of the beneficiaries; however, it may also be accessed online: www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
SHIP provides one-on-one counseling assistance. The contact details can be found here:
- www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx;
- www.cms.hhs.gov/center/openenrollment.asp (This contains a listing of national stand-alone prescription drug plans and state-specific fact sheets.)
- on the 2011 Medicare & You handbook