As a senior living on a limited income and receiving healthcare through Medicare, you may find it challenging to cover all your medical expenses. However, Medicaid can be a valuable resource to help bridge the gap and provide additional support beyond what Medicare offers.
Medicaid eligibility is based on income level rather than age, so seniors can apply for assistance regardless of their age. This can be especially beneficial for older adults who struggle to afford Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may still be eligible for a Medicare savings program or help with paying your Medicare costs.
Medicaid offers a range of benefits that can help seniors with medical expenses. These benefits include assistance with out-of-pocket medical costs, coverage for services not typically covered by Medicare, and support for senior services such as in-home health care or caregiver payments. Medicaid can fill in the gaps left by Medicare and provide essential coverage for seniors.
While Medicaid coverage varies by state, there are common services that are typically covered for seniors. These services include home health care, hospital services, lab and X-ray services, long-term care facility stays, medication-assisted treatment, physician services, and more. In Minnesota, Medicaid, known as Medical Assistance, covers additional services like chiropractic care, dental services, hospice care, and medical transportation.
When seniors turn 65, they have the option to enroll in a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) that combines both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. These plans offer lower costs, care coordination, and additional benefits that seniors wouldn’t receive through Medicare alone. In Minnesota, the D-SNP is called Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO), which provides coverage for seniors in the state.
While Medicaid helps cover a wide range of medical expenses, there are limitations to what is covered. Common exclusions include dental services considered cosmetic or elective surgical procedures. Medicaid also typically does not cover over-the-counter medications or non-emergency transportation, although some states like Minnesota do provide coverage for non-emergency transportation through MSHO.
If you are a caregiver helping an elderly parent apply for Medicaid, it’s important to gather the necessary documents and seek guidance from experts like elder law attorneys or Medicaid planning professionals. Eligibility for Medicaid is based on income, age, and other factors, and each state has its own requirements for eligibility.
Overall, Medicaid can be a valuable resource for seniors living on a limited income and struggling to cover their medical expenses. By understanding the benefits and limitations of Medicaid, seniors can access the support they need to maintain their health and well-being. If you have more questions about Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or MSHO, you can contact us at 877-713-8215 or email MSHOsales@healthpartners.com for assistance.
