Your team at Disability Action Advocates places the highest priority on the health and safety of our clients and staff. We are ready and able to handle all necessary appointments via email, telephone or video call, from start to finish of your case, including your disability hearing (should the need arise).

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What is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare and Medicaid are both government benefit programs that help cover the costs of healthcare. While these programs are often confused with each other, they have very different benefits, costs, and eligibility requirements.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a form of health insurance offered by the government that is subsidized by trust funds in which covered people have paid into. This program is offered to a majority of U.S. citizens and legal residents who are age 65 or older, though certain younger people can qualify if they are seriously disabled and are covered by Social Security. Medicare is offered in three different plans: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Each plan has different benefits and eligibility requirements. These plans are uniform in all states and follow the same set of rules.

Once a person has reached their yearly deductible, Medicare will cover hospital stays, outpatient care, and sometimes prescription drugs depending on the plan. Patients pay a portion of costs through copayments and monthly premiums.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid, on the other hand, is a state-run government assistance program. Medicaid covers medical and long-term care expenses for low-income people of all ages. Medicaid will oftentimes pay for Medicare deductibles and can cover the approximately 20% of costs that Medicare will not pay for. While small fees may be charged for certain types of services, Medicaid covers the majority of costs that patients should incur.

Medicaid covers the following:

  • Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
  • Diagnostic and screening services
  • Nursing home care
  • Home health care
  • X-rays and laboratory tests
  • Midwife services
  • Pediatric services

Contact Disability Action Advocates Today

At Disability Action Advocates, our Reno Medicare and Medicaid representatives have been working protecting the rights of individuals for more than 20 years and can help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. With our vast legal knowledge and individualized attention, we can help you apply for these benefit programs and handle any disputes that should arise on your behalf.

To get started, call (888) 401-3920 or schedule a free consultation today!

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