Posts filed under 'General-Medicaid'
Most states cover smoking cessation programs for Medicaid recipients. There are a few holdouts, however. Until recently, Arizona was one of those states.
There is good news for Medicaid recipients in Arizona these days – especially when it comes to trying to stop smoking. Governor Janet Napolitano signed a new bill - #1418 – into law Tuesday. This new law allows Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System to cover smoking cessation costs for individuals who are enrolled.
Now that Arizona has created this law, there are only six states left in the country that do not cover the cost to quit smoking. Arizona now pays 14% of its budget – about $316 million – on smoking-related illness each year. This new law will help Arizona recover 67% of the costs involved through matching funds by the federal government.
As a result of dealing with smoking itself and eliminating it from peoples’ lives, the state hopes to save enough money so that there will be no negative financial impact on the general fund.
The law provides for nicotine replacement therapy and tobacco use reduction medications that are approved by the FDA. John Rivers, President and CEO of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association stated that this is “a good fiscal policy because, over the long haul it will reduce the amount of money that the state will have to pay treating smoking-related diseases. The legislature and the Governor are to be commended for moving Arizona in the right direction.”
Approximately 36% of Medicaid recipients are smokers. Taxpayers pay the $316 million that has been being paid out. Getting people off tobacco will save money for the people and for the state, as well as helping Medicaid recipients to attain better health.
In addition to the program supporters that have already been mentioned, the American Cancer Society also supports the law to help get people off tobacco and help their health improve.
Many people throughout the country are eligible to receive Medicaid benefits. Unfortunately, there are a large number of individuals who are eligible for Medicaid who either don’t realize they are eligible or are not taking advantage of benefits that could be helpful to them, or both. How does a person find out whether or not they are eligible? One county in Ohio has created a unique program to try to locate about 30,000 residents that it thinks are eligible for Medicaid.
Hamilton County has joined forces with the FreestoreFoodbank to try to locate these individuals and enroll them in the program. The Over-The-Rhine-based food pantry has received a $1 million contract to help locate and sign up at least part of the individuals that are eligible, as well.
Hamilton County Commissioner, Todd Portune issued a press release in which he stated, “These residents are eligible for assistance that can provide them the care and preventive treatment they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives; they just don’t know it. It is long past time that we reached out to them.”
This unique move is one of the positive things that are happening regarding the Medicaid program and supporting individuals who qualify. In addition, the pantry will be engaging local businesses with employees who are uninsured and either work part-time or have a low income. The program will also reach out to schools, health centers that serve low-income residents and social service agencies working with the poor and the elderly.
The program is made possible through the county’s Department of Job and Family Services, who is providing funding. Outreach will focus on children under the age of 19, pregnant women, adults age 65 and older, individuals with disabilities and homeless individuals.
This is a big step forward in one area of the country. It will be wonderful if this type of program catches on in other counties and states, and spreads throughout the country. With all the issues surrounding people who are uninsured, having programs such as this one could cut those numbers by a good amount and leave many thousands of people protected instead of vulnerable.
A disturbing article in the Press& Sun-Bulletin seems to echo a disturbing trend regarding Medicare and dental care providers. The Bulletin covers event in and around Binghamton, New York.
The article about the dental options told one man’s experience as follows:
…After showing up for his appointment at Wilson Dental, he was told that his Medicaid HMO dental benefit paid such low reimbursement rates that the private practice would not participate in the plan -- even though the clinic was set up to serve Medicaid patients who were being denied dental treatment elsewhere.
This is such a trend that many patients have severe infections, cavities, and missing teeth. One such patient ended up in the Howard University Hospital Emergency Room. The infection got so overwhelming that the elderly woman became extremely ill and unable to over come the infection had to be hospitalized.
Dentists around the country receive such low reimbursement that many of them have stopped accepting Medicaid patients all together. At this moment there is no foreseeable solution but perhaps in this election year politicians will address the issue after the campaign is over.
Congress is in the midst of voting this week regarding changes to Medicaid that would cut services and cost the states millions of dollars.
This vote is extremely important – so much so that even though President Bush has threatened to veto, the Senate is still working to stop the Bush changes that would eliminate or greatly decrease services.
The House Energy and Commerce Commission voted last week – unanimously – to create a one year moratorium on the rules that Bush is pushing for, even though Bush could try to veto the vote.
States are worried that if the changes Bush wants actually come to pass, not only will services be cut, but states will have to pay out billions of dollars within the next five years, while at the same time experiencing serious disruptions in medical services and the Medicaid system.
Since Bush leaves office in January 2009, it is hoped that there will be a strong enough vote for the moratorium (2/3 of the House and Senate) to hold off until that time to re-address the issue.
Those who would be hurt most if Bush gets his way would be Children and Individuals with Disabilities. Special education services would be cut and services that allow individuals with disabilities to stay in their own homes and maintain home health services could lose essential benefits. In addition, indigent individuals would lose critical treatment and services.
Congress is fighting hard to stop President Bush from vetoing the moratorium. There is an excellent chance that Congress will win and the president will not be able to use his veto power.
This is an important issue to keep an eye on. Though states, communities and individuals will not feel the crunch immediately if the president has his way, it is still critical for all Medicaid recipients to stay aware of.
As you may or may not know, Medicaid is different than Medicare. With Medicare, when you turn 65 years of age, if you are receiving Social Security Benefits, you are almost always automatically enrolled in Medicare.
Medicaid is different. Information about whether or not you are eligible is determined by your state’s Department of Children and Families. This department helps determine whether children and/or their families have an income under a certain amount so that they can qualify for coverage.
Also, if you are on SSI or SSDI, you can get information through the Social Security Administration. Another important resource is your local Health Department or Department of Workforce Services. These two departments usually have information and phone numbers, as well as websites that will direct you to your state’s program. You will be able to discuss your individual situation with a representative who will help you with the qualification and enrollment process.
Most states also have a Social Security Insurance related fact sheet that will give you information about Medicaid eligibility for disabled, blind and aged individuals, including any Medicare cost-sharing information for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries, Specific Low Income Beneficiaries and other Qualified Individuals.
It is also easy to find Medicaid information for your state by typing Medicaid in (your state’s name) into Google or other search engine. This will pull up several sites. Beware, however, to be careful that you are not searching sites that charge you or sites that are trying to sell you information or legal services. You should not have to pay for information regarding Medicaid eligibility.
Self-Directed Care has been discussed at length for well over a decade. There is often confusion regarding what self-directed care is. Specifically, self-directed care supports adults with functional disabilities who live in their own home, t direct their own health-related issues. For instance, an individual might have diabetes and need blood sugar monitored, but their functional disability doesn’t allow them to physically perform the necessary tasks to do this. This individual can choose to direct and supervise a paid personal aide or and Individual Provider to perform this and other tasks.
There have been studies, interviews, surveys, news releases and numerous reports since the increase of self-directed care, and the majority of them have stated that individuals – especially Medicaid and Medicare recipients – with disabilities benefit from directing their own personal care services. In a joint study with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, it was found that “with self-directed care, quality of life and recipients’ satisfaction were improved substantially and unmet needs for career reduced, without compromising health or safety.”
Previous HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson stated that Self-Directed Care gives people with disabilities more freedom and responsibility. In the same way that all of us want to be in charge of our lives and our choices, it lets the individuals themselves decide what to do with their Medicaid dollars.” The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has stated that “approaches like this will make Medicaid more cost effective and will serve people with disabilities better.”
Self-Directed Care can be an excellent option for many people receiving Medicaid.
One of the biggest worries that individuals with disabilities have when they attempt to work is the loss of benefits – especially health care coverage. They are worried that they will have no coverage at all or be forced into an employer’s plan that they cannot afford or that won’t cover their disability.
There are solutions to this dilemma, however. The solutions are found as part of the Social Security Act- especially part 1619b and Medicare. One of the most important provisions is the Medicaid Buy-in program. This program was designed to provide access to comprehensive health care for working people with disabilities. This is essential for many people with disabilities who find it difficult to find affordable and comprehensive coverage privately.
The Medicaid Buy-in program allows people with disability to pay a premium for coverage through their state’s Medicaid program, just as they would if they were buying private health coverage. The concept behind the buy-in was originally put forth in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to allow for individuals who lost SSI or SSDI benefits because they were making more money working. These individuals were able to support themselves without receiving SSI or SSDI checks because they were making enough money through their paychecks from work. However, they still needed health coverage, and Medicaid was the best choice for many situations. As long as the individuals continued to meet the Social Security definition of disability, they would be eligible for the buy-in program.
If you find yourself in this type of situation, there are several steps you can take. You can contact your county health department to determine what local programs are available; you can check with your state Medicaid office to see whether you qualify for the Medicaid Buy-in or other benefits; and you can check the Social Security Administration, Medicaid or Medicare websites for further information.
Medicaid has taken a giant and important leap recently. Because of this move forward, it is now possible that thousands of people will be able to get home-based care rather than being institutionalized. This new provision allows people to get care in their homes or in the community instead of an institutional setting.
The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) allows states to provide people who qualify for Medicaid benefits to receive this care without having to apply for a demonstration waver to prove their eligibility. Having the option as to how an individual will receive long-term support is an historic step in leveling the playing field.
Individuals will now be able to receive person-centered care and have a part in the development and decision making about that care. Some of the services that states will be able to provide under this new provision will be case management, homemaker, home health aide, personal care, adult day health and respite care. In addition, individuals with chronic mental illness can receive day treatment, partial hospitalization, psychosocial rehabilitation and clinic services.
This new provision is an essential step in helping individuals with disabilities have the choice to be part of and participate in the community, stay in their own comfortable surroundings, make choices regarding services and have the support of a program that will offer them these options and more.
Many people have questions about Medicare and Medicaid including the question of what the differences are between the programs. There are some major differences between the two.
Medicare is funded by the federal government as an entitlement program, which mainly focuses on the older population. It is a social insurance program for individuals age 65 and over and it covers many individuals with disabilities. Medicare also covers individuals of all ages with end stage renal disease.
There are several parts to Medicare. Part A covers hospital bills, Part B covers medical insurance and Part D covers prescriptions.
Medicaid is different from Medicare in several ways. It is also an entitlement program, however, Medicaid is not funded only by federal government, there is a state component as well, and in some states, counties pay part of the cost.
Medicaid is based on need and social welfare, with eligibility based on income. If a person has limited income and/or financial resources, Medicaid covers a broader spectrum of services than Medicare does. It usually covers children, pregnant women, parents of eligible children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. Though poverty is used to determine eligibility, a person must fall into one of the coverage groups in addition to being determined eligible due to being in poverty. Medicaid benefits are paid directly to the provider of services. In addition to covering individuals who meet financial requirements, in some states Medicaid covers individuals who cannot otherwise afford insurance.
Some individuals qualify for coverage by both programs.
It is a fact that having good health is important for everyone. Whether you are rich or you are poor, having good health for both you and your family is very important. However, if you can’t pay for your medical bills, how will you be able to ensure you and your family’s health? Surely you can’t stop illnesses from happening and you definitely cannot predict what’s in store for you and your family in the future.
Because of this, more and more people are now enrolling in a state and federal government program called the Medicaid.
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First of all, getting health insurance is considered to be one of the most important investments that you can ever make. Besides, with the constant rise of health care cost, you too would find it difficult to pay for your medical and hospitalization bills even if you have a decent household income. So, what more if you can’t even afford to pay for the premiums of health insurances? What if you are one of the people out there who has a low household income level?
Because of this problem, both the state and federal government are now funding a health insurance program called Medicaid. This particular health insurance program that is funded by the state and federal government are designed for low income individuals or families, the disabled, children living with low income families, and also for the elderly.
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If you are pregnant, you know that it can be hard for you to spend for the supplies you need in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy. You also have to remember that the cost of hospitalization and delivery can be quite expensive. So, if you are in a low income family, you will want to apply for Medicaid that is specially designed for pregnant women and newborns.
Under this program, you will see that it will assist you with the expenses on hospitalization and even the regular check ups you need to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
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It is a fact that in today’s world, health insurance is very important. With the continuing rise of the cost of heath care, you too would definitely want to buy a health insurance policy. However, what if you are one of the low income families that can’t afford even the cheapest health insurance policy?
You have to face the fact that there are times in yours and your family’s life where emergency medical situations are necessary. You will never know what’s in store in your future. Because of this, you would want to try and get help from the federal and the state government regarding financial assistance for medical emergencies.
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First of all, it is important to understand that Medicaid is entirely different from Medicare. Although Medicaid and Medicare are both funded by the government and are both health insurance programs, Medicaid is not automatic like Medicare. In Medicare, you will become automatically eligible when you reach the age of 65 or you become disabled.
To put it in other words, Medicare concentrates more on giving the benefits to the elderly and to the disabled. Also, Medicare is funded by the federal government which gets its funds from the taxes you pay. It is very much like your Social Security where you have every right to enjoy because you are one of the millions of people who are funding it during your working life.
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In 1966 the Congress approved Medicaid as a health insurance program provided by both the state and federal government. Since then, it helped millions of people get the proper and high quality medical care that they deserve.
Medicaid is also considered to be the largest health insurance programs that the state and federal government funds. Originally, Medicaid was designed to let people with low income levels afford high quality medical care. The main point of Medicaid is to provide financial help for people in need of medical care.
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For starters, everyone needs medical insurance. With it, you will be able to get the necessary medical treatment you need even without having the cash for it. One kind of medical assistance that many Americans are benefiting from today is called the Medicaid.
Created by the congress in 1965, Medicaid continues to provide health care and financial assistance to low income families all over the United States. This particular government program is a federal and state partnership that was originally designed to give cash as part of the nation’s welfare program. However, as the program expanded, the eligibility, requirements and also the rules for getting financial assistance through Medicaid changed.
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Do you want to enroll in Medicaid but you can’t find any Medicaid providers? If you are, then you will see that looking for Medicaid providers can be quite easy.
First of all, you have to remember that Medicaid is a healthcare program designed for low income families. Jointly funded by the state and federal government in the United States, you also need to remember that this program is managed by the state.
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The State and the Federal Government of the United States offer one of the best health care systems or programs that focus mainly on low income individuals and families. In Oklahoma, you will see that SoonerCare or Oklahoma Medicaid will be able to get you the health insurance you need.
The fact that health care are getting more and more expensive each day, you have to consider the fact that this can be very distressing especially to individuals and families who are only getting very low household income.
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First of all, Medicaid is the largest health insurance program that the United States of America offers. This kind of health insurance program is funded by the state and the federal government. Because of this, you have to consider that the laws in each state regarding the eligibility and the requirement rules differ.
The fact that this health insurance program is one of the primary source of health care for low income families and the elderly as well as the disabled in the United States, it can provide you with health insurance benefit where it is able to cover up to one hundred percent of the total cost of hospitalization as well as the professional fee from your physicians.
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Living in West Virginia as with other states in the United States of America can provide you with great medical assistance programs that can cover your entire or almost all of your medical bills.
This can be quite convenient as the constant rise of cost in healthcare is indeed a burden which leaves people in financial instability or even in debt. With a program like Medicaid, you can be sure that you and your family will be able to afford medical expenses that you may incur in the future.
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