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Although Medicare covers the majority of healthcare costs, it does not cover 100% of these expenses. Patients are responsible for deductibles and copayments on medical services and prescription drugs. Sometimes meeting these obligations can be very difficult, and for some, even impossible.
There are extra help programs that could help. I’d like to tell you about them.
First, the State Medicaid programs are available for qualified individuals who meet certain income and asset limits. If your income as a single person is $902.50 per month or less, or as a couple $1,214.17 per month or less, and you have limited resources, you could be eligible for a program that can pay your Medicare premium, deductibles, and copayments. In addition, this would automatically qualify you for assistance with your prescription plan premiums, deductibles, and copayments as well.
Even if you do not qualify for this program, you still may be eligible for others. If your income as a single person is $1,353.75 per month or less, or as a couple $1,821.25 per month or less, and you have limited resources, you could qualify for extra help with your Medicare healthcare or prescription costs.
To apply for these programs, you should contact your local Social Security office, visit social security online at www.ssa.gov, or call your local Medicare counseling program State Health Insurance Assistance program, or SHIP. The number for TN is 1-877-801-0044.
If your income does not meet the requirements and you are still having difficulty paying for your medications, talk with your physician about patient assistance programs and generic medicines that can also help you save money.
Whatever you do, don’t go without proper healthcare because you think you can’t afford it. There is help available; you just have to ask for it.
Article provided by Mary Beth Best, Medicare advocate with Voice, Inc.
Home health care is often the last thing on someones mind until the very moment they need it. Because of this, the decision of which agency to use is often made under a cloud of stress and uncertainty. These conditions are not the best to screen a home care agency. How can this be avoided? Make a plan for the care of a loved one before you are faced with the immediate need for home care services.
The best way to begin would be to call your insurance provider to check your coverage and ask who are the agencies participating in their plan. Also, look in the phone book or online to find the listing of all home care agencies in your area. Remember that there are many companies in Tennessee that provide home care services. Do not pick one and go with them. Make sure you weigh all of your options. If you are being discharged from the hospital, they are required to provide you with a list of home health care providers as part of your discharge. This list should make clear the agencies that are associated with the hospital and also which agencies are providers of Medicare and Medicaid services.
After identifying the providers in your area of Tennessee, there are many things to consider. First, you need to find out the reputation of the agencies you are interested in. This can be done by research on the internet and by asking a trusted physician or friend. Look for testimonials from patients who have used their services in the past. Also you will need to be clear on what services are provided by each agency. You may need skilled nursing care, physical therapy or speech therapy. Most companies provide a wide range of services from in home nursing care all the way to companionship and home making. Be sure to check and see how long the company has been in business and if they are licensed and insured.
Next you want to check the quality of the caregivers. Ask about the hiring process of the nurses or caregivers. Things like background checks, reference verification and bonded employees are important to know. You may also want to ask how often the caregivers are supervised while giving care and whether or not care is available 24 hours a day.
After obtaining all of the information you can, sit down with your family and make the best decision for you and your loved ones. Who you choose for home health care is a big decision and should be made with the help of your doctor, family and insurance company to make sure that all of your bases are covered.
If you are in Tennessee and would like to find out more information about CareAll, click here to find the office closest to you.
