Posts tagged 'social security'
When you have one pot of money and it is finite, it can be hard to split it up in a way that makes everyone happy. Let's take what the government is going through with the budget right now. It would be great if they had unlimited amounts of money, if the automakers and banks weren't in big trouble and if Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security were at least stable.
But the picture isn't that pretty, and the fact that we are in the middle of a recession doesn't help either. Add to that bad mortgages, foreclosures all over the place and handing over money to the banks without an accounting of where it has gone and the picture gets worse.
As to the banks supposedly showing profits recently from the bailouts, take a look at Dr. Martin Weiss’ article, Big bank profits are bogus! Massive public deception! He writes, “Was the bad-debt disease magically cured? Did the economy miraculously turn around? Not quite. In fact, we have overwhelming evidence that the condition of the nation’s banks has deteriorated massively since then.
“How can our trusted authorities be so blatantly deceptive and still keep their jobs? Perhaps you should ask Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. Not long ago, for example, he declared that the total losses from the debt crisis would not exceed $100 billion, while conveying the hope that most of those losses could be soon written off. Also around that time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated the losses would be $1 trillion, with only a small percentage written off. The IMF’s latest estimate: $4 trillion in losses, with only one-third of those written off so far. Bernanke’s error factor: He was 4,000 percent off the mark, in a world where 50 percent errors can be lethal.”
And the critics talk of Medicare’s $1 trillion in costs last year to cover 42.5 million seniors. This cost was inflated by the privatized HMOs, PPOs inserted into Medicare along with the rule that Medicare could not bargain with Big Pharma on drug pricing as does Medicaid. These are a few of the negative impacts inflicted on Medicare by the Bush administration and others. In fact, Medicare began in 1964 under Lyndon Johnson as a classic single-payer health insurer. Listen closely, President Obama. It was only later that the privateers were ushered in to gobble up 12.6 percent of its premium revenue for “administration.” What if Medicare got some of that bank bailout money?
Yet the Times reports, “as a result, the administration said, the Medicare fund that pays hospital bills for older Americans is expected to run out of money in 2017, two years sooner than projected last year. The Social Security trust fund will be exhausted in 2037, four years earlier than predicted, it said.” The question is to whom will that money run out to?
Though there are many priorities here, this is a country that touts taking care of the neediest among us first. "Give me your poor...your huddled masses..." The country was founded on these ideas. All of the rest of this stuff we are dealing with now came later and some of it did not have to come at all.
The new president has said that this is our time, this is the time for change. It seems that he and lawmakers are trying to figure out what to change first and how to do it so that everyone comes out at least somewhat stable. I wouldn't want to be in their position - the president and lawmakers were left with quite a mess to clean up and figure out and it hit them all at once. It doesn't matter who is or was to blame. The blame game can go back decades and waste time that we don't have. It is time to fix things once and for all, and it is time for everyone to stop whining and get the job done.
The New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal's world-wide newsbox all had lead articles with regard to a new government report that paints a dire picture of the financial situation of the nation's two largest benefit programs. The recession, of course, has not helped with the already stressed Medicare system, especially the fund for hospital care which will run out of money (purportedly, depending upon who you get your information from) in 2017, two years earlier than the government had predicted a year ago.
The Social Security trust fund is in a bit better shape but will still start spending more money than it receives in 2016 and will be depleted by 2037, four years sooner than projected last year. lawmakers are arguing over whether the country can really afford to expand health insurance coverage, the report sparked calls for the administration to start working on a plan to prevent the two entitlement programs from becoming insolvent.
There is a great deal of work going into the Medicare situation as well as trying to create a similar healthcare system for everyone who does not have health insurance or access to health insurance, to strengthen the Medicare system that definitely needs bolstering and create a health care system that millions of people need.
Lawmakers feel that tax dollars from workers, such as payroll tax, deductions for social security and other funds will be able to help finance all of these ideas. In addition there are some Lawmakers pushing hard to stop subsidizing and just flat-out give banks and othe institutions "bailout money" why not give out less or none at all , for that matter, to fund more of the domestic issues especially. Another idea has been to patner the banks with the insurance companies and help them work together to develop a policy that would be fiscally responsible. If the polcy worked out well, it could very possibly help bolster Medicare and the the vast majority - if not all - of the people in the country that are uninsured.
Medicare can help offset medical expenses, which is a good thing. However; there are gaps in coverage with Medicare, and they need to be filled. One way to fill these gaps is to take the money out of your pocket, your bank account your life savings or your retirement.
Especially if you have the original Medicare plan, you need to look into supplements, also called Medigap. These will help you pay for expenses that are not covered and pay for some – or most, or all – of those costs.
There are 12 Medigap policies and each is a little different and covers different things. The premiums can differ a lot, as well, so it is essential that you thoroughly check each company selling these supplemental policies to make certain which covers offered through
Study each Medigap plan before deciding which one to select. This is extremely important, particularly because there are so many people on Medicaid and/or Medicaid who don’t understand how the program works and often don’t realize that their billing. Information you receive could make a vast difference as to whether your medical bills will be covered and how much you could save by only having to pay a basic and affordable for the most part.
Why not find out what benefits you qualify for and which ones are right for you? Study all the Medigap plans to figure out the differences and which one would suit you the best. You can check the internet for a vast amount of information, you can talk to someone by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, and you can call your local insurance agent.
Whatever you decide, it is essential to find out what coverage is available and how it works, as well as, which plan will work best for you.
Aside from war, the economy and taxes, Medicare is a glaring issue on the agenda of both Barak Obama and John McCain who are running for president. There has been a tremendous amount of information being tossed about,especially Medicare coverage and he costs related to them.
We have been carefully checking statements and information that both candidates have put out for the public. Even if the new president can successfully address the issues of war, the economy and taxes, as well as lost jobs and a budget that is a mess, one of the difficult issues that will still need to be dealt with is Medicare. Health care costs are rising rapidly and Baby Boomers are beginning to look at Medicare for coverage which will add to the number of people Medicare must cover.
John McCain has said that repairing the Medicare system will be extremely difficult. It will be more difficult to fix than reforming the Social Security System. He has also said that he wants to see changes in the Medicare system to pay providers for disease prevention and care coordination. If he becomes president he would also like to see a zero tolerance policy to deal with Medicare fraud and would not pay for preventable medical mistakes or mismanagement. He has said, “What we have to do with Medicare is have a commission – have the smartest people in America come together and come up with recommendations.”
Barak Obama, on the other hand, proposes a plan to increase Social Security taxes on people earning more than $250,000 per year. The change would not be immediate, but would take a decade or possibly more to implement. Obama feels that a program like this would keep the Social Security program stable and sound financially.
In addition, Barak Obama opposes proposals that would give a portion of Social Security money in personal investment accounts. This type of privatization is not a good idea. Obama does, however, want to reduce Medicare costs. He wants the federal government to be able to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for lower, much more affordable prescription drug prices. He wants the “donut hole” in Medicare prescription coverage to be closed. Currently there is a coverage gap called the donut hole that leaves seniors very vulnerable by forcing them to pay for their prescriptions once they reach a certain limit. Often, this leaves vulnerable seniors on limited incomes to often pay out thousands of dollars that they cannot afford. As a result, many of these seniors are not able to afford their medications, so they just go without.
Obama has stated : "Privatizing Social Security was a bad idea when George Bush proposed it, and it is a bad idea today."
If you are receiving Medicare benefits but even with prescription coverage do not have enough money for drugs or premium, there is help available through the Social Security Administration.
Many people are not aware of this assistance. The assistance is $3,600 that can go toward your prescriptions or your premiums. This assistance is available once every year. This year, if you log onto the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov, you will be able to find the assistance by clicking on the box that says “I helped my mother today.”
There are a few limitations to this assistance. You must be receiving Medicare benefits. If you are single, you must make $15,600 or less annually. If you are married, you must make $21,000 or less as a couple annually. However; the Social Security Administration suggests that even if you are close to those numbers, you should check into receiving this benefit. You can apply on line on the Social Security Website, which is available 24 hours every day.
In addition to the information above, there is another plus to the program. The individual who is applying for this extra help does not need to be the one filling out the application. For instance, if the individual has a caregiver or spouse that could do the paperwork for them, especially if the individual has a disability that prevents them from doing the paperwork themselves, Social Security permits the caregiver, family member, friend or spouse to file on the individual’s behalf.
Since prescription drugs and extra premiums are of extreme concern to many people receiving Medicare, this program will provide relief for a great number of people. The program has been available, but has not been heavily marketed by the Social Security Administration.
If you are a Medicare recipient and need extra financial assistance for your premiums, prescriptions or other Medicare-related issues, be sure to go to www.ssa.gov, the official Social Security Website and explore this little-known option for help.
Many individuals with disabilities want to go to work and are able to work at a job. This is a very positive thing in many ways. It helps the individual to build their self-esteem and pride, helps them become a more integrated part of the community, it helps the individual become more self-sufficient and it helps the economy.
There is a drawback for many people with disabilities who want to work. The drawback is simply that individuals are worried that they will lose their benefits – especially their medical benefits – if they go to work. It can feel devastating to be willing and ready to work but have to choose between work and medical care.
The truth is, however, that an individual with a disability can begin – and continue – working and still maintain their benefits. States can extend Medicaid to people who are working but who are earning too much money to qualify for Medicaid under the current rules.
A person can qualify if their income is less that 250 times the national poverty level or if they meet the definition of “disabled” under the Social Security Act and would be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they were not working and bringing in an income. An individual can qualify for the buy-in without receiving SSI, and the state would then have to determine whether or not the individual has a disability. The fact that an individual is working will not have a bearing as to whether they are disabled or not.
Another important piece of this equation is the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program. In fact, this program is the foundation through which many of these benefits are protected when a person goes to work. The Ticket to Work program allows for and encourages states to cover individuals between age 16 and 65 years old who decide to go back to work and the states can provide Medicaid to individuals who are working who have improved enough to lose their coverage, but still qualify as being disabled.
So, if you are considering trying to work, find out about the Ticket to Work and find out about whether your state will continue your Medicaid benefits. Take the first step toward working by finding out how you can continue receiving your benefits. You can do this by contacting your State Medicaid Office or go online for information at www.cms.hhs.gov and look up Ticket to Work.
The information you discover may make the difference between you being able to work or not.
Medicare recipients can look forward to improved delivery of Medicare and Managed Care benefits including medical products and prescription related products through Nations Health. These include diabetes supplies and insulin pumps, and other medical products throughout the U.S. In addition, Nations Health provides education, information and other assistance to Medicare recipients – including details about Medicare Part D.
There are other statements through Nations Health that talk about better, more efficient services and products, however, it is important to keep an eye on things to see if they deliver and how well they deliver what they say they well.
There is hope when a company like Nations Health offers assurance of improvement; however it is not always a guarantee. Various world and national events, including decrease in revenue to Nations Health could cause results not to turn out exactly as predicted.
With the advent of organizations such as Nations Health – as long as their performance is efficient, effective and organized in such a way to truly help Medicare recipients, the results can be positive for all – a win/win situation. Though it may very well turn out to be a plus if the delivery of products and other benefits is improved, it is essential to watch and see what happens.
In addition, when researching any information regarding Medicare, Medicaid or other benefits, it is essential to check the facts, compare various services available and check with the Medicare and Medicaid offices and/or websites. Get a well-rounded, realistic view of what services you can receive and who can deliver them in the best way for your needs.
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.
Since its introduction, Medicare Part D has improved some issues surrounding prescription drugs for seniors. Reports and surveys from 2004 through 2007, approximately 25,000 Medicare beneficiaries were surveyed and the results were positive, for the most part.
Harvard Medical School analyzed that data from these surveys and found that after the drug benefits were introduced, the number of individuals on Medicare Part D who skipped medication went down by nearly 4%, and the number of individuals who cut back on basic needs, such as food or housing decreased by about 4%, as well.
This is good news. There has been a negative side, however. Studies showed that individuals with some of the most serious illnesses and conditions were not affected positively by Medicare Part D, and they have continued skipping doses of medicine and cutting back on basic needs, as well.
Another study published by JAMA stated that even with Medicare Part D, many beneficiaries have changed their behavior and cut back on the number of refills they get or have changed to generics in order to cut costs. Research has also shown that 60% of all Medicare Part D participants are not aware of the fact that there is a gap in coverage as use of the plan increases. Cost sharing is involved in Plan D, but is misunderstood by this 60%, some of whom do not realize that there is a gap in coverage at all, or that they will be responsible for a higher amount of costs of prescriptions once they hit a certain amount that has been paid by Medicare Part D to cover those prescriptions.
It is important, then, that everyone on Medicare Part D, or planning to enroll in Part D, research carefully and obtain as much information as possible so that they know what their coverage will be and how it will work. There are numerous ways to get information. You can call the 1-800-MEDICARE or log on to www.medicare.gov.
If you have Medicare benefits and are confused about Medicare Part D, you are not alone. There are a great many individuals who do not understand Medicare Part D, which is prescription drug coverage.
Many individuals are getting into a situation where they are eligible for Part B of Medicare but they have limited income. As a result, they are worried about getting this important part of Medicare coverage.
Part B covers doctor visits and various outpatient services. If you find yourself in the situation where you cannot afford to pay for Part B, your state may be able to help you with premium payments, deductibles and co-pays.
There are several ways to get correct information regarding this issue. First, call your state or local office for medical assistance, social services or welfare. If they can’t give you all the specifics, they can at least get you started and give you some information. You can also call the Medicare hotline and ask about Medicare savings programs at 800-633-4227. For more information about the Medicare program, call 800-772-1213.
There are questions regarding help for prescription drug coverage for those who have a limited income. There is good, specific information regarding prescription coverage (Part D).
If you receive Medicare benefits you are eligible for prescription drug coverage, no matter what your income is. In addition, you can receive this coverage regardless of how healthy you are or the number or cost of the prescriptions you already take. If your income is limited, you may be able to get help paying your premiums.
If you are not sure whether or not you qualify for premium assistance, you can find out and sign up at 800-772-1213 or goon the internet to www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp and you can find out. You can also go to www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get information about Medicare prescription drug plans.
If you need assistance it is essential that you contact Medicare or Social Security to find out how they can help you. Don’t hesitate to call or visit them on the web. There is information and assistance available. Make sure that if you qualify for it, you receive it. Help is just a click or a call away.
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.
No matter what Medicare Plan you are on, you have the right to appeal any decision about your Medicare coverage. If Medicare does not pay for an item or service that you feel you are entitled to, you can appeal that decision.
This is not necessarily an easy process; however, there are ways it can be done. For instance, there are various appeal forms depending upon what plan you are on. They are available by downloading from the internet or calling the Medicare program you are enrolled in. The information should be on your Medicare card and your monthly statement.
If you file an appeal, Medicare has a limited amount of time to respond to you and at least let you know that they are looking into the matter. Often, you will hear from them in 7 to 10 days.
If you are not satisfied with any decisions regarding your appeal, you will be advised as to the next level you can go to. It is similar to taking a matter to civil court, then superior court then district court then the Supreme Court. With Medicare, hopefully you won’t have to go all the way to court.
There are five levels to an appeal. First, redetermination by a Medicare carrier, intermediary, or Medicare Administrative Contractor. Second is review by a Qualified Independent Contractor. Third is hearing by an Administrative Law Judge in the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals. Fourth is review by Medicare Appeals Council, and Fifth is Judicial Review by Federal District Court. Most cases are settled long before they get to step number five.
No matter what your question, grievance or appeal is, try to start by getting information directly from your Medicare provider. This may take some work, research and time, but it can save a lot of time and effort in the long run if you do not have to go through the entire appeals process.
For questions or information, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medigap plans are designed to cover the “gaps” or expenses that Medicare does not cover. They help pay for these services and are sold by private companies. It is important to research companies and plans if you are thinking of purchasing this type of coverage.
Another important thing to be aware of regarding Medigap coverage is that if you decide to purchase this type of coverage, you should do so within six months of getting Medicare Part B. The reason this is so important is that because during this six month period insurers cannot deny you Medigap coverage. In addition, they can not postpone the time when your coverage starts and they cannot charge you additional rates based on pre-existing health conditions – health problems that you already have. This is critical if you are dealing with serious or ongoing health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and more.
If you wait until after the six month period, you could be denied coverage; there is no guarantee that you will be able to be approved.
There is information available regarding Medigap insurance and it is a very good idea for you to research this information. There are a number of places to find this information by going on the internet. The easiest way is to go to Google and type in Medigap Insurance. In addition, go to www.ssa.gov and look under Medicare coverage and there will be links to Medigap information as well.
Medicare is designed for individuals 65 years old or older, and individuals with disabilities or on renal dialysis. Medicare Part A covers hospital and inpatient services, while Part B covers doctor visits and other services received as an outpatient (outside of the hospital).
Many people worry about how to enroll in Medicare. They worry that it will be difficult or confusing, but it doesn’t have to be, and it usually isn’t.
If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A & B on the first day of the month that you have your 65th birthday. In other words, if you turn 65 on February 10th you will be enrolled at the beginning of February.
Your Medicare card will come in the mail up to three months before your 65th birthday. If you do not receive it in a timely manner, you should call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit them on the internet at www.ssa.gov. Either way, you will get assistance and can have the Medicare card sent to you.
If you are not receiving Social Security, you will need to sign up for Medicare. This is an easy process and you can do this a couple of ways. You can call Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. They will take the information over the phone to get the process underway and then they will send you some paperwork in the mail.
If you prefer, you can go to your local Social Security office and apply in person. The advantage to this is that there is an individual there who will walk you through the entire process. Either way, it is your choice. You cannot, however sign up on line for Medicare only.
To sign up for both Medicare and Social Security Retirement Benefits together you can apply online at www.ssa.gov, or by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or go in person to your local Social Security office. Either way, you should be able to easily get enrolled for Medicare benefits without extra effort or worry.
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.
