Medicare Blog

how does the state of west virginia help people with medicare

by Cristobal Pollich Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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West Virginia Medicare beneficiaries who struggle to afford their premiums may be eligible for help through a Medicare Savings Program (MSP). In West Virginia, applicants can qualify for Medicaid

Medicaid

Medicaid in the United States is a federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, including nursing home care and personal care services. The Health Insurance As…

for the aged, blind and disabled with monthly incomes up to $783 (single) and $1,175 (married).

Key takeaways. West Virginia Medicare beneficiaries who struggle to afford their premiums may be eligible for help through a Medicare Savings Program (MSP). In West Virginia, applicants can qualify for Medicaid for the aged, blind and disabled with monthly incomes up to $783 (single) and $1,175 (married).Oct 4, 2020

Full Answer

Are you eligible for Medicaid long-term care in West Virginia?

There are several different Medicaid long-term care programs for which West Virginia seniors may be eligible. These programs have slightly different financial (income and assets) and medical (functional) eligibility requirements, as well as varying benefits.

What is the definition of Medicaid West Virginia?

West Virginia Medicaid Definition In West Virginia, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (DHHR), Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) is the agency that administers the state’s Medicaid program. Medicaid is a wide-ranging, jointly funded state and federal health care program for low-income individuals of all ages.

Can I take the West Virginia Medicaid eligibility test?

Alternatively, persons can take the Medicaid Eligibility Test . IMPORTANT , not meeting all the criteria below does not mean one is not eligible or cannot become eligible for West Virginia Medicaid. More. For Medicaid eligibility purposes, any income that a Medicaid applicant receives is counted. To clarify, this income can come from any source.

What is the Medicaid spenddown program in West Virginia?

1) Medically Needy Pathway – In West Virginia, the Medically Needy Pathway, also called a Spenddown Program, allows seniors who would otherwise be over the income limit to qualify for Medicaid if they have high medical expenses. In simple terms, one may still qualify for Medicaid services by “spending down” his or her income to the income limit.

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Who qualifies for Medicare in WV?

age 65 or olderAnyone who is age 65 or older, diagnosed with ALS or ESRD, or on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 25 months can enroll in Medicare in West Virginia. If you are eligible due to your age, your enrollment period begins three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after.

What does Medicare cover in WV?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) It has two parts: Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. Part A covers hospital stays and periods spent at skilled nursing facilities, lab tests an individual has performed, and hospice care. Part B covers doctor's office visits and home health care services.

What is the maximum income to qualify for Medicaid in WV?

Under the expanded eligibility guidelines, adults age 19-64 are eligible for Medicaid with a household income up to 138% of the poverty level. For a single adult in 2022, that amounts to $18,754 in total annual income.

Does West Virginia have Medicare?

Medicare health insurance is available in West Virginia when you turn 65 years old. It's also available for some people who are under age 65 and meet certain eligibility criteria.

How do I qualify for Medicaid in West Virginia?

Who is eligible for West Virginia Medicaid?Pregnant, or.Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or.Blind, or.Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or.Be 65 years of age or older.

How many people in WV are on Medicare?

443,555 residentsHow many West Virginians have Medicare coverage? As of late 2021, there were 443,555 residents in West Virginia with Medicare coverage. That's nearly 25% of the state's population, compared with about 19% of the United States population enrolled in Medicare.

What is the income limit for food stamps in West Virginia?

SNAP Max Income for Food Stamps Oct. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2020Household SizeGross Monthly Income Limits (130% of poverty)Net Monthly Income Limits (100% of poverty)1$1,354$1,0412$1,832$1,4103$2,311$1,7784$2,790$2,1465 more rows

What does WV Medicaid cover for adults?

Medicaid in West Virginia covers the following services:Primary care office visits.Specialty care.Podiatry.Chiropractic services.Diagnostic x-rays.Outpatient hospital services.Hospice.Nursing Home.More items...

Does West Virginia have state health insurance?

West Virginia residents can apply for health insurance during open enrollment and during special enrollment periods for qualifying life events, such as a loss of coverage or a change in marital status. You can find plans through private insurance providers or the federal exchange.

How do I qualify for dual Medicare and Medicaid?

Persons who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles”, or sometimes, Medicare-Medicaid enrollees. To be considered dually eligible, persons must be enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), and / or Medicare Part B (medical insurance).

Can you have Medicare and Medicaid?

If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dually eligible), you can have both. They will work together to provide you with health coverage and lower your costs.

What's the phone number to Medicare?

(800) 633-4227Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services / Customer service

Does West Virginia help with my Medicare premiums?

Many Medicare beneficiaries who struggle to afford the cost of Medicare coverage are eligible for help through a Medicare Savings Program (MSP). In...

Who's eligible for Medicaid for the aged, blind and disabled in West Virginia?

Medicare covers a great number services – including hospitalization, physician services, and prescription drugs – but Original Medicare doesn’t cov...

Where can Medicare beneficiaries get help in West Virginia?

West Virginia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Free volunteer Medicare counseling is available by contacting the West Virginia Stat...

Where can I apply for Medicaid in West Virginia?

West Virginia’s Medicaid program is administered by the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Individuals can apply for Medicaid or an M...

How many Medicare Advantage plans are there in West Virginia?

About 38% of West Virginia Medicare beneficiaries select Medicare Advantage plans. Residents in West Virginia can select from between 23 and 32 Medicare Advantage plans in 2020, depending on the county in which they live. Nearly 92,000 beneficiaries of Medicare in West Virginia had Medigap plans as of 2018.

How much lower is Medicare in West Virginia?

Per-enrollee spending for Medicare in West Virginia is about 2% lower than the national average.

What insurance companies offer Medigap in West Virginia?

But according to Medicare’s plan finder tool, there are three insurers in West Virginia that provide Medigap plans to people under the age of 65: United American (Plan B and high-deductible Plan F) Transamerica (multiple plans available) Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (as of 2019, the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner noted ...

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans provide all of the benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B, and most Advantage plans also incorporate Medicare Part D (coverage for prescription drugs) as well as extras like dental and vision.

How much does Medicare cost in Hawaii?

In three states (Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas), Original Medicare’s per-beneficiary spending was more than $11,000, while in Hawaii it was just $6,971.

What is the WVOIC?

The WVOIC can answer questions, provide information, and address complaints related to any of the entities they regulate. The Medicare Rights Center is a nationwide resource, with a website and call center that can provide assistance, education, and information about Medicare.

Does Highmark offer Medigap?

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (as of 2019, the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner noted that Highmark offered all of their Medigap plans to enrollees under age 65, but only if the person is transitioning from another Highmark plan to Medicare .)

What is Medicare in West Virginia?

Medicare in West Virginia. Medicare is the federal health care insurance plan available to those aged 65 and older or disabled. About 270,000 West Virginians are enrolled in Original Medicare. Medicare is composed of four parts: Part A, which can cost as much as $471 a month, depending on Medicare taxes paid in the past; Part B, ...

How many Medicare Advantage Plans are there in West Virginia?

There are four different kinds of Medicare Advantage Plans: HMOs, PPOs, Private Fee-For-Service Plans (PFFS), and Special Needs Plans (SNP). While there are 33 plans available in West Virginia, you can only select a plan if it is available in the county where you live. If you move out of your county, you’ll need to enroll in a new plan ...

How much does Medicare pay for out of pocket?

Original Medicare has no limits on out-of-pocket fees. If you want prescription drug coverage you’ll need to purchase a Medicare Part D plan.

What is the Senior Medicare Patrol?

The Senior Medicare Patrol provides information and education to seniors in West Virginia on detecting and reporting Medicare fraud. The SMP teaches seniors how to spot errors in Medicare billing and how to detect fraudulent manufacturers of goods who claim their goods are covered by Medicare. While the SMP holds community outreach programs, their trained volunteers are also available to work one-on-one with Medicare beneficiaries who may suspect fraudulent behavior.

What is Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan?

If your Original Medicare plan leaves gaps in your coverage that are costing you too much in excess fees, consider a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan. Also known as Medigap, it can cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles as well as many excess Part B charges, depending on which plan you select.

How much does Medicare cost?

Medicare is composed of four parts: Part A, which can cost as much as $471 a month, depending on Medicare taxes paid in the past; Part B, which cost $148.50 a month; Medicare Advantage Plans, or Part C, are private plans approved by Medicare and 33 of them are available in the state; and Part D, Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Which is better, Medicare Advantage or Supplemental?

If you have more complex health care needs, Medicare Advantage Plans may be the best option as they provide additional benefits like vision, hearing, dental, and often prescription drug coverage. Gaps in Original Medicare can be covered by a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan.

Key Takeaways

Original Medicare in West Virginia features hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage with the option of adding drug and supplemental coverage.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare in West Virginia?

If you’re a U.S. citizen and are age 65 or older, you qualify for Medicare in West Virginia. You’re also eligible regardless of your age if:

What Is the Income Limit to Receive Medicare?

Your income isn’t a factor in your ability to sign up for Medicare plans in West Virginia (it’s a different story with Medicaid).

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in West Virginia?

Each state has its plan for administering Medicaid, a federal/state program founded alongside Medicare in 1965 that helps those facing a financial need and/or disability regardless of age.

What Is the Average Cost of a Medicare Advantage Plan?

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in 2022 is $25.53.

What Is the Best Medicare Plan to Get?

In the case of Original Medicare in WV, there’s only one plan — Parts A and B, which does open the option to add Part D and Medigap coverage from private insurance companies.

Medicare in West Virginia by the Numbers

Thousands of older adults enroll in Medicare every day across the United States. The latest CMS data shows that 423,202 people are enrolled in Medicare Part A and B in West Virginia. The total number of beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage increased from 142,637 to 157,857 year over year.

What are the requirements for Medicaid in West Virginia?

Who is eligible for Medicaid in West Virginia? 1 Infants aged 0 to 1 in households with income up to 158 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) 2 Children aged 1-5 in households with income up to 141 percent of FPL 3 Children aged 6-18 in households with income up to 133 percent of FPL 4 Pregnant women with income up to 185 percent of poverty 5 Adults with incomes up to 133 percent of poverty

How much did West Virginia's healthcare costs decrease in 2014?

According to data compiled by West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, hospitals in West Virginia saw a 40 percent decline in uncompensated care costs from 2013 to 2014, thanks in large part to Medicaid expansion that resulted in far fewer uninsured residents in the state.

What is the uninsured rate in West Virginia?

West Virginia’s uninsured rate dropped to 6.4% in 2018, thanks in large part to Medicaid expansion. However, the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to a 12 percent uninsured rate as of May 2020.

How many people are covered by expanded medicaid?

About 22,000 people covered under expanded Medicaid had received treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders by early 2017. Without Medicaid expansion, most of those people would have been uninsured and unable to access treatment.

What percentage of poverty is pregnant in West Virginia?

Pregnant women with income up to 185 percent of poverty. Adults with incomes up to 133 percent of poverty. Pregnant women and children in households with up to 300 percent of FPL qualify for CHIP in West Virginia.

Is there a CHIP for pregnant women in West Virginia?

CHIP coverage for pregnant women as of 2019. SB564 was signed into law in West Virginia in 2019. The legislation called for CHIP coverage in West Virginia to be expanded to include pregnant women. CHIP eligibility for kids in West Virginia already extended to households with income up to 300 percent of the poverty level, ...

Is West Virginia a partnership exchange?

West Virginia had initially considered setting up a state-run exchange, but later opted for a partnership exchange, ci ting cost as one of the reasons for avoiding a fully state-run exchange.

What is the phone number for FEMA in West Virginia?

After contacting FEMA, you can call 1-866-982-4685 for information regarding programs administered by the State of West Virginia and the Department of Health and Human Resources. West Virginia Other Needs Assistance Program (ONA) Money is awarded for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster.

How much does the burial assistance program cost?

The burial assistance program assists with payment up to $1000 toward the cost of funeral expenses for an indigent adult or child. The program benefits are determined by the burial rate and, when applicable, the amount which exceeds the maximum allowable.

What is Medicaid in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (DHHR), Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) is the agency that administers the state’s Medicaid program. Medicaid is a wide-ranging, jointly funded state and federal health care program for low-income individuals of all ages.

What is Medicaid Personal Care in West Virginia?

1) West Virginia Medicaid Personal Care – Available via the WV state Medicaid plan, assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, mobility, and eating, is provided for those who functionally need it. Assistance can be provided in one’s home, the home of a relative, an assisted living residence, or an adult foster care home.

What is the medically needy path in West Virginia?

1) Medically Needy Pathway – In West Virginia, the Medically Needy Pathway, also called a Spenddown Program, allows seniors who would otherwise be over the income limit to qualify for Medicaid if they have high medical expenses.

How long does Medicaid look back?

This is because in West Virginia, Medicaid has a “Look-Back” period of 5 years, and if one is in violation, there will be a period of Medicaid ineligibility.

Does CSRA apply to non-applicant spouses?

To be very clear, the CSRA does not apply to non-applicant spouses of regular Medicaid applicants. One should be aware that West Virginia has a Medicaid Look-Back Period. This is a period of 60 months (5 years) that backdates from one’s Medicaid application date.

Does the Medically Needy Pathway help with Medicaid?

Unfortunately, the Medically Needy Pathway does not assist one in spending down extra assets for Medicaid qualification. Said another way, if one meets the income requirement for Medicaid eligibility, but not the asset requirement, the above program cannot assist one in reducing their assets to meet the asset limit.

Does Medicaid count as income for stimulus checks?

Coronavirus stimulus checks are not counted as income by Medicaid, and therefore have no impact on Medicaid eligibility. When just one spouse of a married couple is applying for Medicaid nursing home care or home and community based services via a Medicaid waiver, only the income of the applicant is counted.

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