Medicare and Medicaid What’s the Difference? – Part two of two

by | Feb 21, 2017 | Business News

What does Medicare cover?
Currently, Medicare consists of four parts: Medicare Part A, generally called “hospital insurance,” helps cover services associated with inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or psychiatric hospital.  Medicare Part B, generally called “medical insurance,” helps cover other medical care such as physician services, ambulance service, lab tests and physical therapy.  Medicare Advantage (Part C) enables Medicare beneficiaries to receive health care through managed care plans such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and others.  Medicare Part D helps cover the costs of prescription drugs.
What does Medicaid cover?
Each state administers its own Medicaid program within broad federal guidelines.  Thus, the states determine the amount, duration, and types of benefits that Medicaid will provide.  Typical Medicaid programs cover inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician and surgical services, lab tests and X rays, family planning services, and services for pregnant women.  There are also numerous optional benefits that states may choose to provide for Medicaid recipients.
What about long-term care?
Most long-term care isn’t medical care, but rather help with basic personal tasks of everyday life, called custodial care.  Medicare does not pay for custodial care. However, Medicare may pay for skilled care (e.g., nursing, physical therapy) provided in a Medicare-certified nursing facility for up to 100 days.  In addition to skilled nursing facility services, Medicare also may pay for part-time skilled nursing care, physical therapy, medical social services, and some medical supplies such as wheelchairs and hospital beds.
The states have considerable leeway in determining benefits offered and services provided by their respective Medicaid programs.  Generally, if you meet your state’s eligibility requirements, Medicaid will cover nursing home services, home and community-based services, and personal care services.
Curtin Wealth Management is located at 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 240 in Valencia.  For more information, please call 661-200-3423.

[bsa_pro_ad_space id=3]

ADVERTISE WITH US

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

Santa Clarita Magazine has set a high standard for excellence in advertising for over 34 years. A family owned and operated business, Santa Clarita Magazine has grown with the Santa Clarita Valley since 1990 and become the #1 place to advertise locally.

SANTA CLARITA MAGAZINE

PO Box 801570
Valencia Ca 91380

For Advertising information
Call or Text:
1 (661) 294-4444

Charles Curtin

Charles Curtin