Medicare Blog

how do medicare part d, epic, and medicaid work together to provide drug coverage in new york?

by Victoria Kunde Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Enrolling in EPIC will give a member a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join a Medicare Part D drug plan. Medicare Part D provides primary drug coverage for EPIC members. After a Part D deductible is met, if a member has one, EPIC provides secondary coverage for approved Part D and EPIC covered drugs.

How does epic help pay for Medicare Part D drug plans?

EPIC helps pay the Medicare Part D drug plan premiums for members with income up to $23,000 if single or $29,000 if married. Higher income members are required to pay their own Part D premiums but EPIC provides premium assistance by lowering their EPIC deductible. EPIC has two plans based on income.

How does the Medicare Part D drug plan requirement work?

How does the Medicare Part D drug plan requirement work? EPIC members are required to be enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (HMO) health plan with Part D (with no exceptions). Enrolling in EPIC will give a member a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join a Medicare Part D drug plan.

Are prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D or Medicaid?

There are certain types of prescription drugs that are typically not covered by Part D plans but may be covered by Medicaid. Contact your state Medicaid program for information about Medicaid eligibility and enrollment. What is Medicare Extra Help?

What is the relationship between Medicaid and Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is sold by private insurance companies and provides coverage for prescription drugs. Medicaid is a publicly-funded program that provides health insurance benefits for low-income adults and children. Let’s examine the relationship between Medicaid and Medicare Part D.

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Does epic cover all drugs?

Coverage Period EPIC provides secondary coverage for Medicare Part D- and EPIC-covered drugs after any Part D deductible is met. EPIC also covers approved Part D-excluded drugs such prescription vitamins as well as prescription cough and cold preparations once a member is enrolled in a Part D drug plan.

How does epic work in NY?

EPIC helps pay the Medicare Part D drug plan premiums for members with income up to $23,000 if single or $29,000 if married. Higher income members are required to pay their own Part D premiums but EPIC provides premium assistance by lowering their EPIC deductible.

Do Part D plans have to cover all drugs?

Part D plans are required to cover all drugs in six so-called “protected” classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics.

Which part of Medicare is responsible for drug coverage?

(Part D)Medicare drug coverage (Part D) helps you pay for both brand-name and generic drugs. Medicare drug plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.

How does an epic work?

The physician submits a request to establish an EPIC Account, which includes basic biographic information, details about his/her medical education and licensure history (if applicable), a recent photo, and a scanned image of the photograph page of his/her passport.

Do you have to pay for epic?

On Epic Free, students get two free hours of reading a week that can be used Mon-Fri or on weekends. And since Epic Free isn't a 30-day free trial, families don't need a credit card to sign up.

Does Medicare Part D cover prescriptions?

Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit, is the part of Medicare that covers most outpatient prescription drugs. Part D is offered through private companies either as a stand-alone plan, for those enrolled in Original Medicare, or as a set of benefits included with your Medicare Advantage Plan.

What are two options for Medicare consumers to get Part D prescription drug coverage assuming they meet all eligibility requirements )? Select 2?

There is no other way a Medicare consumer could get Part D prescription drug coverage. They could enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan. They could enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

What drugs does Medicare Part D not cover?

Medicare does not cover:Drugs used to treat anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain. ... Fertility drugs.Drugs used for cosmetic purposes or hair growth. ... Drugs that are only for the relief of cold or cough symptoms.Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.More items...

Which is a combination Medicare and Medicaid option that combines medical social?

What are dual health plans? Dual health plans are designed just for people who have both Medicaid and Medicare. They're a special type of Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan. Dual health plans combine hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage.

What is Medicare Part D and how does it work?

It is an optional prescription drug program for people on Medicare. Medicare Part D is simply insurance for your medication needs. You pay a monthly premium to an insurance carrier for your Part D plan. In return, you use the insurance carrier's network of pharmacies to purchase your prescription medications.

Which Medicare plan combines Original Medicare with a prescription plan?

Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, combines the benefits and services of Medicare Part A and Part B and usually includes Part D, Medicare prescription drug coverage, as part of the plan. Under a Medicare Advantage plan, hospice care is covered under Original Part A instead of through the plan.

How Does The Medicare Part D Drug Plan Requirement Work?

EPIC members are required to be enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (HMO) health plan with Part D (with no exceptions)....

How Is Epic Used With Medicare Part D?

EPIC supplements Medicare Part D drug coverage for greater annual benefits and savings. When purchasing prescription drugs, the member shows both t...

How Does Extra Help Work?

Extra Help from Medicare comes in two levels – full and partial. All levels of Extra Help provide a Low Income Subsidy (LIS) with reduced co-paymen...

How Does Epic Help Members Apply For Extra Help ?

EPIC seniors who are income eligible for Extra Help are required to complete a Request for Additional Information (RFAI) (PDF, 231KB, 4pg.) to enab...

Eligibility For Extra Help

Individuals with limited income and resources who are receiving Medicare may qualify for Extra Help to lower drug costs. In 2018, those with an ann...

What Are The Benefits of Extra Help and Epic?

Those approved for full Extra Help, a Medicare Savings Program or a Medicaid Spenddown do not have to pay any EPIC fees. EPIC will continue to pay...

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

When you have dual enrollment, Medicare is your primary insurance that covers any costs first. Medicaid is your secondary payer. Every state has different benefits for people who qualify under dual eligibility, so it’s important that you check with your local Medicaid office.

Does Medicaid cover dental care?

Medicaid can cover a large variety of healthcare services like behavioral health for substance abuse and mental health or dental care. Medicaid also has a robust cost-sharing program that helps cover any out of pocket costs for economically disadvantaged participants.

Can seniors get medicaid?

Many seniors in the United States have dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Generally, this means that you have enrolled in Medicare, but that you qualify for Medicaid as well due to your income.

Is Medicaid a secondary insurance?

Secondary Insurance. Medicaid can fill in the gap as a secondary insurance to Medicare. Any services you have that Medicare pays for like hospital care, doctor’s visits, skilled nursing facility care, or home care, Medicare will pay for as the primary payer.

Does Medicaid pay cost sharing?

Medicaid can pay any cost-sharing charges you have. This help will depend on your income level. If the level is low enough, you could qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Medicare Savings Program. If you enroll in QMB, you won’t have to pay Medicare cost-sharing fees.

Does Medicare help with prescription drugs?

Prescription drugs are some of the biggest expenses people on Medicare face, and Medicaid can help. People who meet the eligibility requirements for dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid automatically get enrolled in the Extra Help program.

Comparing Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Compare Part D prescription drug plans and enroll in the right plan for you. Learn how Medicaid and Medicare Part D work together so that eligible beneficiaries can save on their prescription drug costs.

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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 dual eligible?

Definition: Dual Eligible. To be considered dually eligible, persons must be enrolled in Medicare Part A, which is hospital insurance, and / or Medicare Part B, which is medical insurance. As an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), persons may opt for Medicare Part C, which is also known as Medicare Advantage.

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.

What is EPIC insurance?

EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) is the New York State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP). EPIC is available to New York State residents who are 65 or older and have annual incomes below $75,000 if single and $100,000 if married. EPIC provides help with prescription drug costs.

Can you get EPIC with medicaid?

This form lets EPIC apply for these programs on your behalf. Individuals with full Medicaid cannot also receive EPIC (though they should automatically get Extra Help ). However, some people with Medicaid spend-downs can have EPIC.

How much does an EPIC member have to pay for Part D?

If an EPIC member's income is above $23,000 if single or $29,000 if married then the member is required to pay their Part D premium each month.

What is benchmark amount for Medicare?

The benchmark amount is equivalent to the average cost of a Medicare Part D drug plan in New York State. It changes each year. If your Part D plan premium is higher than this amount, you are responsible to pay the difference each month. If EPIC is paying your Part D premium and you currently have your premium deducted from your Social Security ...

What is the coverage period for EPIC?

Coverage Period. EPIC provides secondary coverage for Medicare Part D- and EPIC-covered drugs after any Part D deductible is met. EPIC also covers approved Part D-excluded drugs such prescription vitamins as well as prescription cough and cold preparations once a member is enrolled in a Part D drug plan. EPIC coverage runs from January 1st ...

What does EPIC cover?

For Part D- and EPIC-covered drugs after any Medicare Part D deductible is met or approved Part D-excluded drugs, EPIC will cover: New prescriptions and refills; Insulin, insulin syringes and needles; Brand name and generic prescription drugs; Quantities up to your Part D plan's limits.

What happens if you disenroll from Part D?

If you disenroll from your Part D drug plan either by request or due to failure to pay, you must re-enroll in a Part D plan or you will not receive EPIC benefits for the remainder of the year.

When does EPIC coverage end?

EPIC coverage runs from January 1st to December 31st of each year. If enrolled after January 1st, coverage will still end on December 31st. Members must maintain EPIC coverage and be enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan in order to receive benefits.

Does Epic pay for Medicare?

Please note that EPIC only pays for Part D- and EPIC -covered drugs after any Medicare deductible is met or approved Part D-excluded drugs purchased from an EPIC participating pharmacy.

Does EPIC cover Medicare Part D?

EPIC will cover Medicare Part D- and EPIC-covered drugs after any Medicare Part D deductible is met. EPIC will also cover approved Part-D excluded ...

How much does EPIC pay for Medicare?

EPIC helps pay the Medicare Part D drug plan premiums for members with income up to $23,000 if single or $29,000 if married. Higher income members are required to pay their own Part D premiums but EPIC provides premium assistance by lowering their EPIC deductible. EPIC has two plans based on income.

What is an epic in New York?

The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program is a New York State program for seniors administered by the Department of Health. It helps more than 330,000 income-eligible seniors aged 65 and older to supplement their out-of-pocket Medicare Part D drug plan costs.

Can seniors apply for EPIC?

Seniors can apply for EPIC at any time of the year and must be enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan to receive EPIC benefits and maintain coverage. EPIC provides secondary coverage for Medicare Part D and EPIC-covered drugs purchased after any Medicare Part D deductible is met.

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