Understanding How It All Works
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid can help you with Medicare cost sharing and help pay for some of the items Medicare did not pay for. Medicaid will help defray the costs for Hospitalization, Skilled Nursing facilities, Doctor visits, and home care. Since Medicare is a federal program, they pay first and Medicaid because it is a state-based program, pays second.
Medicaid can become the primary payor for items like durable medical equipment used outside the home. Medicaid will also enroll you in the Extra Help Program to assist you with drug costs. That is a very large part of the Medicaid program considering the cost of prescription medications in the US.
You need to be careful as many of the MAPD programs offer some of the same benefits that Medicaid does. These MAPD plans are well designed and can assist someone with Medicare and Medicaid by providing additional benefits such as gym membership, some extra cash to buy non-prescription drugs and accessories to mention a few items.
As I understand it, there are many levels of Medicaid, and the broker community is not well versed in this area but state choice. So, tread lightly, until you understand what level of Medicaid they have and know what will help them and what won’t.
Remember, someone with both Medicare and Medicaid does not do well financially and any assistance can be very beneficial for what is known as Medi-Medi clients.
This blogger believes this market is underserved by the brokerage community and deserves some attention from brokers and agents alike.
My credentials are 23 years as a Medicare broker here in Las Vegas and not having one complaint or issue against me on that time. I carry Errors and Omission insurance in the event there is an issue but to-date, no issues or complaints, or claims. Member of NAIFA (National Association of Independent Financial Advisors) and NABIP (National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals).
Also, you may want to take a look at 2026 Medicare Information.
The Barend Agency Inc. Len Barend, broker 702-250-2200
