U.S. seniors have multiple options for government health care aid.
American seniors who cannot afford the increasing costs of health care may be eligible to receive government assistance in the form of Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, on March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Health Care Act, which changed the fact of government healthcare in the U.S. Seniors seeking government health care or maximization of coverage should learn about these two forms of aid and about this new Act
What is Medicare?
For Americans aged 65 or older, Medicare is one of the staples of government health care assistance. There are a few different plans in the Medicare system, including one that covers hospital insurance (inpatient, home-health, and hospice care), and one that covers medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care, flu shots, and preventative medicine). The former, known as Plan A, is usually offered without monthly payments to seniors that have worked and paid taxes in the U.S. The latter, Plan B, usually costs a small monthly fee (less than $100 in 2008). There are also a few other plans, including Part D, which helps cover prescription drug costs for a higher monthly fee. Typically, only seniors who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years are eligible to receive Medicare. More information about Medicare services and eligibility may be found on the Medicare website.
What is Medicaid?
For those seniors who do not qualify for Medicare coverage, Medicaid may be a viable government health care alternative. Medicaid is administered by state governments rather than the federal, and provides health coverage to the elderly. With ever-increasing health care costs, many seniors qualify for this government aid, particularly those with low incomes. Medicaid typically covers an extensive list of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, prescription drugs, long-term care, and even dental services. Those with more substantial incomes may also be eligible, as Medicaid is set to expand coverage in 2014. Any senior in need of assistance with health care coverage should check with her state Medicaid agency to see if she qualifies now or may qualify in 2014.
Will My Coverage Change with the Health Care Act?
Seniors who were receiving Medicare or Medicaid coverage before the Act need not worry: no government health care coverage was terminated or even reduced with this bill. Instead, the Act seeks to extend coverage to a greater number of seniors and to increase benefits to those in need. Additionally, any senior that did not qualify for Medicare before the Act may want to try again, as more people are now qualified to receive this care. The government Medicare website contains more information involving apply.
