Medicare Blog

colorado when you are on medicaid do you have to pay medicare premiums

by Alexie Nolan Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

We will pay the Medicare Part B premiums for members on regular Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), or those on the Medicare Savings Program. We will not pay the Part B premiums for any member on a Non-Medicaid Medical Assistance program including OAP-State Only or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).

Full Answer

How does Medicaid work in Colorado?

Medicaid is a wide-ranging health care insurance program for low-income individuals of all ages. Jointly funded by the state and federal government, it provides health coverage for diverse groups of Colorado residents, including pregnant women, parents with dependent children, adults with no dependent children, disabled individuals, and seniors.

Does Colorado Medicaid pay for Medicare Part B (SMI)?

Colorado Medicaid pays the Medicare Part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI)) premiums for clients who are on any Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and most Medicaid programs.

Is there a Medicaid eligibility test for seniors in Colorado?

The American Council on Aging now offers a free, quick and easy Medicaid eligibility test for seniors. There are several different Medicaid long-term care programs for which Colorado seniors may be eligible.

Does health first Colorado pay for Medicare Part B premiums?

We will pay the Medicare Part B premiums for members on regular Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), or those on the Medicare Savings Program. We will not pay the Part B premiums for any member on a Non-Medicaid Medical Assistance program including OAP-State Only or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).

Does Medicaid pay Medicare premiums?

Medicaid pays Part A (if any) and Part B premiums. Medicaid is liable for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare-covered items and services. Even if Medicaid doesn't fully cover these charges, the QMB isn't liable for them.

Can you have Medicare and Medicaid in Colorado?

Remember: Medicaid always pays last. Now that you are eligible for Medicare, Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) requires you to use Medicare.

Can you have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

Yes. A person can be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and receive benefits from both programs at the same time.

What is the income limit for Medicare Colorado?

The income limit for Medicaid HCBS in Colorado is $2,349 a month if single and $4,698 a month if married (and both spouses are applying). In Colorado in 2020, spousal impoverishment rules can increase income between $2,155 and $3,216 per month for a non-applying spouse.

Is Medicare free in Colorado?

Nearly all Medicare recipients get Part A for free. If you do not get Part A for free, we will pay your Part A premiums if you are in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) tier of the Medicare Savings Program. If you get Part A free, we can still pay the Part B premiums even if you have refused or terminated Part B.

How does Medicaid work in Colorado?

Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) is free or low cost public health insurance for Coloradans who qualify. Health First Colorado can cover your doctor visits, emergency care, preventive care such as screenings and immunizations, and other procedures and treatments.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid?

Federal Poverty Level thresholds to qualify for Medicaid The Federal Poverty Level is determined by the size of a family for the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. For example, in 2022 it is $13,590 for a single adult person, $27,750 for a family of four and $46,630 for a family of eight.

When a person has both Medicare and Medicaid insurance charges are submitted first to?

gov . Medicare pays first, and Medicaid pays second . If the employer has 20 or more employees, then the group health plan pays first, and Medicare pays second .

Is Medicare better than Medicaid?

Medicaid and Original Medicare both cover hospitalizations, doctors and medical care. But Medicaid's coverage is usually more comprehensive, including prescription drugs, long-term care and other add-ons determined by the state such as dental care for adults.

What is the monthly income limit for Medicaid in Colorado?

See if you can sign up for Health First ColoradoFamily SizeApproximate Monthly Family Income to Qualify for Health First ColoradoAdults 19 – 64Children 0 – 181Up to $1,428Up to $1,5252Up to $1,931Up to $2,0623Up to $2,434Up to $2,5993 more rows

Do I have to pay back Medicare?

The Nature of the Medicare Medical Lien This means that if you get a settlement, you will have to pay back Medicare before anything else gets taken out. While you can get the lien reduced, paying back Medicare after a settlement is not optional. The only path around a Medicare lien is to negotiate the lien to zero.

What is the Medicaid income limit for 2022 in Colorado?

Income & Asset Limits for Eligibility2022 Colorado Medicaid Long Term Care Eligibility for SeniorsType of MedicaidSingleMarried (both spouses applying)Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community Based Services$2,523 / month$5,046 / monthRegular Medicaid / Aged Blind and Disabled$841 / month$1,261 / month2 more rows•Dec 6, 2021

What is Medicaid in Colorado?

Medicaid is a wide-ranging health care insurance program for low-income individuals of all ages. Jointly funded by the state and federal government, it provides health coverage for diverse groups of Colorado residents, including pregnant women, parents with dependent children, adults with no dependent children, disabled individuals, and seniors.

How long does Colorado have to look back on Medicaid?

This is because Colorado has a Medicaid Look-Back Period, which is 60 months (5 years) immediately preceding one’s Medicaid application date.

What is the exemption for Medicaid?

Exemptions include personal belongings, household furnishings, an automobile, irrevocable burial trusts, and one’s primary home, given the Medicaid applicant lives in it or is intending to live in it in the future, and has an equity interest in the home no greater than $603,000 (in 2021).

What is CSRA in Medicaid?

This is called the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA). As with the spousal income allowance, this asset allowance rule only applies to married couples with one spouse applying for institutional Medicaid or a Medicaid waiver. It does not apply to a married couple with one spouse applying for regular Medicaid.

What are countable assets for Medicaid?

Countable assets include cash, stocks, bonds, investments, credit union, savings, and checking accounts, and real estate in which one does not reside. However, for Medicaid eligibility, there are many assets that are not counted. In other words, they are exempt from Medicaid’s asset limit.

How much does a nursing home need to pay monthly?

Instead, all of a beneficiary’s monthly income, with the exception of a personal needs allowance of approximately $89.55 / month, and possibly a monthly maintenance needs allowance for a non-applicant spouse, must be paid to the nursing home.

Can you change your medicaid account in Colorado?

The account must be irreversible, meaning once it has been established, it cannot be changed or canceled, and upon death of the Medicaid participant or in the event of Medicaid disenrollment, the remainder of the funds must be paid to the Colorado Department of Health Care.

How old do you have to be to get dental insurance in Colorado?

You must be 60 or older. You must be at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) You must be lawfully present in Colorado. You cannot be eligible for dental services under Health First Colorado or the Old Age Pension Health and Medical Care Program. You cannot have private dental insurance.

Who can qualify for Health First Colorado?

Children, pregnant women, parents and caretakers, people with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities, and adults can all potentially qualify. Every Health First Colorado member has a primary care provider.

What is the Colorado buy in program?

The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities lets adults with a disability who qualify to "buy-into" Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program). If you work and earn too much to qualify for Health First Colorado you may qualify. If you qualify, you pay a monthly premium.

What is a CCT in Colorado?

Colorado Choice Transitions (CCT) is a program to help transition Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) clients out of nursing homes and long-term care facilities and into home and community-based settings. As a member of the CCT program you would also receive enhanced-services designed to promote independence.

What age can you get cancer in Colorado?

be diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer or conditions that may lead to cancer if left untreated. be between the ages of 40 and 64. have an income less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. not have health insurance that covers breast or cervical cancer treatments. not be currently enrolled in Health First Colorado ...

Does Colorado have Medicaid?

Behavioral Health. Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program )members are eligible for behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder care. If you need mental health care and/or substance use disorder services, talk to your primary care provider or contact your regional organization.

Does Colorado have commercial health insurance?

You must be eligible for Health First Colorado and have access to commercial health insurance. The annual cost of your commercial health insurance must be less than the estimated total cost of your annual medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and administrative costs.

Which pays first, Medicare or Medicaid?

Medicare pays first, and. Medicaid. A joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, but most health care costs are covered if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. pays second.

What is original Medicare?

Original Medicare. Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). After you pay a deductible, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share (coinsurance and deductibles). or a.

Does Medicare have demonstration plans?

Medicare is working with some states and health plans to offer demonstration plans for certain people who have both Medicare and Medicaid and make it easier for them to get the services they need. They’re called Medicare-Medicaid Plans. These plans include drug coverage and are only in certain states.

Does Medicare Advantage cover hospice?

Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A and Part B benefits, excluding hospice. Medicare Advantage Plans include: Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage. . If you have Medicare and full Medicaid, you'll get your Part D prescription drugs through Medicare.

Can you get medicaid if you have too much income?

Even if you have too much income to qualify, some states let you "spend down" to become eligible for Medicaid. The "spend down" process lets you subtract your medical expenses from your income to become eligible for Medicaid. In this case, you're eligible for Medicaid because you're considered "medically needy."

Can you spend down on medicaid?

Medicaid spenddown. Even if you have too much income to qualify, some states let you "spend down" to become eligible for Medicaid . The "spend down" process lets you subtract your medical expenses from your income to become eligible for Medicaid.

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

. Medicaid may still cover some drugs and other care that Medicare doesn’t cover.

How old do you have to be to get Medicaid in Colorado?

Qualifying former foster care youth from Colorado can get free Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) coverage up until the age of 26. Former foster care youth who qualify do not have to pay co-pays for services. You do not have to apply for this.

How old do you have to be to get medical assistance in Colorado?

Former foster care Health First Colorado extends medical assistance to age 26 for former foster care youth that were in Colorado foster care at ages 18, 19, 20 or 21 and enrolled in Health First Colorado. This is done automatically.

What counties does Health First Colorado cover?

Health First Colorado members who live in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, and Jefferson counties and want to see a Denver Health primary care provider can choose to participate in Denver Health Medicaid Choice.

How many regional organizations does Health First Colorado have?

Health First Colorado contracts with seven regional organizations. Every member of Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) has a primary care provider and belongs to a regional organization that helps connect you with the health care you need.

What is a child health plan in Colorado?

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is low-cost health and dental insurance for Colorado's uninsured children and pregnant women. CHP+ is public health insurance for children and pregnant women who earn too much to qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), but not enough to afford private health insurance. Get more information.

How to contact Colorado Quitline?

Contact the Colorado QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free coaching and support. Talk with your health care provider about the benefits and risks of taking smoking cessation medications while you are pregnant.

Why is Health First Colorado important?

Health First Colorado thinks it is important for all members to have a primary source of medical care to help a member understand and coordinate their health needs. All members of Health First Colorado are now required to have an assigned primary care provider and a regional organization.

What is Medicare and Medicaid?

Differentiating Medicare and Medicaid. Persons who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles”, or sometimes, Medicare-Medicaid enrollees. Since it can be easy to confuse the two terms, Medicare and Medicaid, it is important to differentiate between them. While Medicare is a federal health insurance program ...

How to apply for medicaid?

How to Apply. To apply for Medicare, contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. To apply for Medicaid, contact your state’s Medicaid agency. Learn about the long-term care Medicaid application process. Prior to applying, one may wish to take a non-binding Medicaid eligibility test.

How much does Medicare Part B cost?

For Medicare Part B (medical insurance), enrollees pay a monthly premium of $148.50 in addition to an annual deductible of $203. In order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, one must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. The monthly premium varies by plan, but is approximately $33 / month.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in 2021?

In most cases, as of 2021, the individual income limit for institutional Medicaid (nursing home Medicaid) and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) via a Medicaid Waiver is $2,382 / month. The asset limit is generally $2,000 for a single applicant.

How old do you have to be to qualify for medicare?

Citizens or legal residents residing in the U.S. for a minimum of 5 years immediately preceding application for Medicare. Applicants must also be at least 65 years old. For persons who are disabled or have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), there is no age requirement. Eligibility for Medicare is not income based. Therefore, there are no income and asset limits.

Does Medicare cover out-of-pocket expenses?

Persons who are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare may receive greater healthcare coverage and have lower out-of-pocket costs. For Medicare covered expenses, such as medical and hospitalization, Medicare is always the first payer (primary payer). If Medicare does not cover the full cost, Medicaid (the secondary payer) will cover the remaining cost, given they are Medicaid covered expenses. Medicaid does cover some expenses that Medicare does not, such as personal care assistance in the home and community and long-term skilled nursing home care (Medicare limits nursing home care to 100 days). The one exception, as mentioned above, is that some Medicare Advantage plans cover the cost of some long term care services and supports. Medicaid, via Medicare Savings Programs, also helps to cover the costs of Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.

Does Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Medicaid also pays for nursing home care, and often limited personal care assistance in one’s home. While some states offer long-term care and supports in the home and community thorough their state Medicaid program, many states offer these supports via 1915 (c) Medicaid waivers.

Does Medicaid cover cost sharing?

If you are enrolled in QMB, you do not pay Medicare cost-sharing, which includes deductibles, coinsurances, and copays.

Does Medicare cover medicaid?

If you qualify for a Medicaid program, it may help pay for costs and services that Medicare does not cover.

Is medicaid the primary or secondary insurance?

Medicaid can provide secondary insurance: For services covered by Medicare and Medicaid (such as doctors’ visits, hospital care, home care, and skilled nursing facility care), Medicare is the primary payer. Medicaid is the payer of last resort, meaning it always pays last.

Does Medicaid offer care coordination?

Medicaid can offer care coordination: Some states require certain Medicaid beneficiaries to enroll in Medicaid private health plans, also known as Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) plans. These plans may offer optional enrollment into a Medicare Advantage Plan designed to better coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

Things to Note

  1. We will pay the Medicare Part B premiums for members on regular Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), or those on the Medicare Savings Program. We will not pay the Part B premiums fo...
  2. Nearly all Medicare recipients get Part A for free. If you do not get Part A for free, we will pay …
  1. We will pay the Medicare Part B premiums for members on regular Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), or those on the Medicare Savings Program. We will not pay the Part B premiums fo...
  2. Nearly all Medicare recipients get Part A for free. If you do not get Part A for free, we will pay your Part A premiums if you are in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) tier of the Medicare S...
  3. If you get Part A free, we can still pay the Part B premiums even if you have refused or terminated Part B.
  4. For most members, Part B Buy-In will begin the first month the member is eligible.

Resource Limits

  • The resource limits for QMB, SLMB and QI-1 Medicare Savings Programs are $9,900 for one person and $15,600 for a married couple. The resource limits for the QDWI program are $4,000 for one person and $6,000 for a married couple. The resource limits for the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program are $14,790 for one person and $29,520 for a married couple. Countable resources incl…
See more on hcpf.colorado.gov

How to Apply

  1. First, you must be eligible for or receiving Medicare.
  2. Second, contact your county of residence's Department of Human Servicesto apply.
See more on hcpf.colorado.gov

Where Do I Get These Services?

  1. If you have QMB, you can visit any doctor who accepts both Medicare and Health First Colorado coverage.
  2. If you have SLMB, QI-1 or QDWI, you can visit doctors who accept Medicare.
See more on hcpf.colorado.gov

Helpful Tips For Members

  1. Use your formal, legal name. No nicknames or initials. Be consistent.
  2. If you change your name, make sure Social Security updates all three (3) of their databases:
  3. Make sure Social Security has your correct date of birth beforeyou apply for Social Security benefits. Sometimes, Social Security will not correct a person's date of birth after a person has starte...
  1. Use your formal, legal name. No nicknames or initials. Be consistent.
  2. If you change your name, make sure Social Security updates all three (3) of their databases:
  3. Make sure Social Security has your correct date of birth beforeyou apply for Social Security benefits. Sometimes, Social Security will not correct a person's date of birth after a person has starte...
  4. State data must match federal data before buy-in can take place. Make sure your name and date of birth you put on your application matches the name and date of birth that Medicare has.

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