Medicaid and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Costs

Medicare is government sponsored health insurance for people

• age 65 or older,
• under age 65 with certain disabilities, and
• any age person with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
• Medicare Part A covers in-patient or hospital care (and more).
• Medicare Part B covers out-patient or doctor visits (and more).
• Medicare Part D covers out-patient prescription drugs (with some limitations).
• Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage plans implement Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B coverage and may include Medicare Part D coverage (and maybe more).

Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program helping people who have limited income and resources with medical costs. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, but most of your health care costs are covered if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (also called dual-eligible). People with Medicaid may get coverage for services that are not fully covered by Medicare, such as nursing home and home health care (check with your state for more details). Who qualifies for the Medicaid program? The income limits for Medicaid vary from state to state. Contact your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office to see if you qualify.

How do I apply for the Medicaid program? You can contact your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office for more information about Medicaid benefits. You can also visit www.medicare.gov on the web or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get the telephone number for your State Medical Assistance office. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

If you qualify for Medicaid, you automatically qualify for the Medicare Part D "Extra Help" program that may lower the cost of your prescription drugs.