One feature of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) that many of our clients at the Resmini Law Firm did not know is that those eligible under those Social Security programs are also eligible for Medicare or Medicaid.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a program funded jointly by the State and Federal governments whose intent it is to provide medical insurance for low income and other needy people, including the disabled who are not elderly. When someone is accepted into the SSI program, they are also eligible for Medicaid.
Medicaid in Rhode Island
Rhode Island, like every state, administers its Medicaid program differently. While federal standards require that Medicaid cover certain things, many states cover more. The attorneys at the Resmini Law Firm have 50 years of experience and are skilled in determining our clients’ eligibility for each service. However, as a matter of law, all Medicaid recipients are required to receive hospital, outpatient, in-home, and physician care.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a program that is financed by deductions from payroll checks and from Social Security checks. The program is primarily designed to cover medical issues for the elderly, and it exists in four parts:
- Hospital Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Medicare Advantage (a combination of Part A and Part B through one carrier)
- Prescription Drugs
Everyone who is a Social Security Disability Insurance recipient becomes eligible for Medicare after 24 months. Though, in some emergency cases of extreme need and medical emergency, they can be eligible immediately. In fact, a Medicare card covering Part A and Part B will automatically be sent to those recipients, though they are free to refuse its coverage. Be aware though, should a recipient retain Part B coverage, he or she will be required to pay the premiums associated with that coverage.
Changes in Medicare
Finally, Medicare has been making changes to its coverage in order to provide more proactive care. For example, a yearly “wellness” exam is now available that is designed to diagnose potential medical issues before they become serious and unmanageable. In addition, Medicare now allows for treatment of alcohol abuse, depression and obesity, which are all too common.
Call Us
The Resmini Law Offices is a well-respected firm completely dedicated to personal injury law. We are proud to have served clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Florida for 50 years. For more information, call us at (401) 751-8855 or toll free at 1-855-RESMINI. We would be happy to consult with you in our offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Florida, free of charge. Or, feel free to email us for a case evaluation.
