What's the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid in the Context of Long-Term Care?
Although their names are confusingly alike, Medicaid and Medicare are quite different programs.
Read moreMedicare benefits start at age 65, but many people continue working past that age, either by choice or need. It is important to understand how Medicare and employer coverage work together.
Depending on your circumstances, Medicare is either the primary or secondary insurer. The primary insurer pays any medical bills first up to the limits of its coverage. The secondary payer covers costs the primary insurer doesn't cover (although it may not cover all costs). Knowing whether Medicare is primary or secondary to your current coverage is crucial because it determines whether you need to sign up for Medicare Part B when you first become eligible. If Medicare is the primary insurer and you fail to sign up for Part B, your eventual Medicare Part B premium could start going up 10 percent for each 12-month period that you could have had Medicare Part B, but did not take it. For details, click here.
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Here are the rules governing whether Medicare coverage will be primary or secondary:
If your employer's insurance is the primary insurer, the employer must offer you and your spouse the same coverage that it offers to younger employees. It also cannot deny you coverage, cancel your coverage once you become eligible for Medicare, or charge you more for premiums, deductibles, and copays. For more information about whether to enroll in Medicare if you are still working, click here.
Although their names are confusingly alike, Medicaid and Medicare are quite different programs.
Read moreJust because you're not signing up for Social Security yet doesn't mean you should postpone enrolling in Medicare at age 65 ....
Read moreThe Medicare prescription drug plan allows private health insurers to offer limited insurance coverage of prescription drugs...
Read moreMedicaid Rules, etc