Medicare and Medicaid Services - Essay Example

Out-of-pocket expenses are likely to be less than they would be for other types of programs.  Fourth, co-payments are very low or nothing.  Fifth, anything that is not covered under Medicare may be available at a small fee or for nothing.  Sixth, there is virtually no paperwork.  Finally, “You will not need Medigap insurance to supplement your Medicare coverage because the plan provides you with all or most of the same benefits at no additional cost. Unlike Medigap insurers who in some cases can refuse to sell you a policy if you have a health problem, plans generally must accept all Medicare applicants” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008).

            There are only a few disadvantages to the program, and given the chance, I would definitely enroll.  This is mainly because I have gone so long without insurance that these benefits sound amazing to me.  The only disadvantages I could find were that enrollees must use pre-determined, plan physicians, hospitals, or care providers; certain services require pre-approval from the enrollee’s primary care physician; and that it can take up to 30 days to leave the program if you so choose (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

Part 2

            Medicaid is a program that can make it possible for those who would not otherwise be able to afford healthcare coverage to obtain it, get healthy, and stay healthy.  According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2008, pg. 1), “Medicaid is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law. Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your healthcare providers. Depending on your state's rules, you may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co-payment) for some medical services.  Medicaid is a state-administered program and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. Read more about your state Medicaid program.”

            There are a variety of different types of people that can be covered by Medicaid.  The eligibility requirements are based on whether or not a person is pregnant, his or her age, disability status, income/assets/other resources, citizenship status, whether he or she lives in a nursing home, and more.  Children can be covered if they are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants, and their eligibility is based upon their own qualifications, not those of their parents.  In certain cases, parents who have the children of others living with them can get coverage for those children regardless of their own personal eligibility.  “In general, you should apply for Medicaid if your income is low and you match one of the descriptions of the Eligibility Groups.  (Even if you are not sure whether you qualify, if you or someone in your family needs health care, you should apply for Medicaid and have a qualified caseworker in your state evaluate your situation.) (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2008, pg. 1).