Medicare Blog

how to apply for medicaid and medicare in pa

by Ursula Hirthe Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

There are 3 ways you can apply for Medicaid in Pennsylvania. Option 1 – Apply online You can apply online through the MyCOMPASS PA Portal – as shown in the image below. If you have an account, you can log in or create your MyCOMPASS PA account. Click here to be taken to the website. Option 2 – Apply at a County Assistance Office Near You

Full Answer

What are the income guidelines for Medicaid in Pennsylvania?

  • Children up to age 1 with family income up to 215 percent of FPL
  • Any child age 1-5 with a family income up to 157 percent of FPL
  • Children ages 6- 18 with family income up to 133 percent of FPL
  • CHIP for children with family income up to 314 percent of FPL
  • Pregnant women with family income up to 215 percent of FPL

More items...

What are the requirements for Medicaid in PA?

  • Payment Limit Demonstrations
  • Disproportionate Share Hospitals
  • Medicaid Administrative Claiming
  • State Budget & Expenditure Reporting for Medicaid and CHIP
  • Provider Preventable Conditions
  • Actuarial Report on the Financial Outlook for Medicaid
  • Section 223 Demonstration Program to Improve Community Mental Health Services

How to apply for SSI in PA?

In Pennsylvania, you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits: Online, through the Social Security Administration website. Over the phone, by calling the SSA’s toll-free number. In person, at your local Social Security office. Regardless of what method you choose to apply, you will have to provide a considerable amount of information ...

What is the annual income limit for Medicaid?

[Please note that the annual income limit for Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities enrollees is $75,000 and asset limits are much higher. For more on Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities, please scroll down this page or visit www.ct.gov/med. For information on applying, please follow this link.

image

Can you have Medicare and Medicaid in PA?

PA Medicare and Medicaid You can have both Medicare and Medicaid benefits if you meet the qualifications for both programs. Know that when you become eligible for Medicare, the PA Medicaid program will no longer cover your prescription drugs.

Who is eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in PA?

Adults age 19-64 with incomes at or below 133% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines (FPIG) (Identified for Medical Assistance purposes as MAGI-related) Individuals who are aged (age 65 and older), blind and disabled. (Identified for Medical Assistance purposes as SSI-related) Families with children under age 21.

What is the income limit to qualify for Medicaid in PA?

This income limit, now $2,523 /month, normally changes on January 1st of each year. This monthly figure represents 300% of the federal SSI benefit amount and is usually revised upwards each year due to inflation. $2,523 is the income threshold amount for 2022.

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.

How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in PA?

How long will it take for my application to be processed? It should not take longer than 45 days if all necessary documentation needed to determine your eligibility for the Medical Assistance program is given to the county assistance office.

What is the asset limit for Medicaid in Pennsylvania?

The MNO-MA asset limits are $2,400 for an individual and $3,200 for a couple. There is no additional asset disregard. More about the medically needy pathway. 2) Asset Spend Down – Seniors who have assets over Medicaid's limit can still become Medicaid eligible by spending down extra assets.

How do I qualify for Medicaid?

To participate in Medicaid, federal law requires states to cover certain groups of individuals. Low-income families, qualified pregnant women and children, and individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are examples of mandatory eligibility groups (PDF, 177.87 KB).

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.

What is the maximum income to qualify for food stamps in Pennsylvania?

​SNAP Income LimitsHousehold SizeMaximum Gross Monthly Income1$1,3962$1,8883$2,3794$2,8717 more rows

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 a dual complete plan?

A UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plan is a DSNP that provides health benefits for people who are “dually-eligible,” meaning they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Who qualifies? Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for both Medicare and Medicaid is qualified to enroll in a DSNP.

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.

What is the income limit for Medicare in Pennsylvania?

Income limits: The income limit is $2,349 a month if single and $4,698 a month if married (and both spouses are applying). This income limit doesn't mean nursing home enrollees can keep all of their income up to this level.

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.

Who is qualified for Medicaid?

Medicaid beneficiaries generally must be residents of the state in which they are receiving Medicaid. They must be either citizens of the United States or certain qualified non-citizens, such as lawful permanent residents. In addition, some eligibility groups are limited by age, or by pregnancy or parenting status.

What is the income limit for medical assistance in PA 2021?

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) ProgramNumber of Persons2021 Federal Poverty Level (FPIG)Monthly Income Limit (FPIG + $20 Deductible = Limit)2At least 100 percent but less than 120 percent$1,452 + $20 = $1,472 Less than $1,742 + $20 = $1,7621 more row

How to apply for medicaid in PA?

Other ways to apply for Medicaid in PA include printing the downloaded application and filling it out manually. From there, the applicant has the opportunity to return the completed application by mail, by fax or by dropping it off to the county assistance office. Applicants have the decision to apply for Medicaid coverage however they choose ...

What happens if you get denied Medicaid in Pennsylvania?

If a PA Medicaid application form is denied, then the applicant has the right to ask for an appeal if they believe the decision to be unfair or incorrect.

What are the qualifications for income verification?

Qualifications that include pregnancy, dependent children 19 years of age or younger, disability, senior citizen status or blindness. Any other health insurance coverage or options available.

Does Medicaid honor appeals?

While the Medicaid agency is not required to honor every appeal requested, those who are approved for consideration should understand how the appeal process works. Information regarding how to request an appeal will be outlined in the denial letter that the applicant receives.

How many people in Pennsylvania have Medicaid?

The Pennsylvania Medicaid program, often called the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (MA) program, covers about 20% of the Pennsylvania population. That includes about one in every six adults, three out of every eight kids, half of all PA disabled people, and one out of every six Medicare beneficiaries! That’s right – you can have both Medicare and ...

How to apply for medicaid in PA?

How to Apply for Medicaid PA. To apply for Medicaid in Pennsylvania, visit COMPASS .”. Before you start your application, you may want to gather the information you’ll need. Look for proof of household income, tax filing information, Social Security numbers, other health insurance information, proof of property, proof of citizenship, etc.

What is the yellow access card in Pennsylvania?

Everyone in Pennsylvania who receives either Medicaid or welfare (or both) will receive an “access” card with different colors based on which programs you qualify for. This card will serve as proof of your benefits. Be sure to always keep your yellow access card in a safe place and bring it with you to your medical appointments. Your doctor can use the card to figure out what benefits you have.

How much can a family of two earn to get food stamps in Pennsylvania?

For example, in 2019, a household of two cannot earn more than $1,784 to qualify for food stamps in Pennsylvania (SNAP), but a family of two can earn up to $1,945 to qualify for PA Medical Assistance.

Does PA Medicaid cover prescription drugs?

Know that when you become eligible for Medicare, the PA Medicaid program will no longer cover your prescription drugs. You will have to enroll in a Medicare plan that includes prescription drug coverage, like Part D or Medicare Advantage.

Is PA Medicaid covered by Medicaid?

PA Medicaid Covered Drugs. The medical assistance program includes a list of “preferred” drugs that are considered the best in their class based on effectiveness and safety. These drugs are almost always covered, while non-preferred drugs will only be covered when medically necessary.

Is PA Medicaid the same as welfare?

PA Medicaid and welfare are not the same thing and do not work together. The term welfare refers to pure financial benefits, while Medicaid acts as a form of health insurance. It is common for people who qualify for welfare in Pennsylvania to also qualify for Medicaid, but they are not the same program, and the qualifications are different.

View Another State

Explore key characteristics of Medicaid and CHIP in , including documents and information relevant to how the programs have been implemented by within federal guidelines.

Eligibility in

Information about how determines whether a person is eligible for Medicaid and CHIP.

Enrollment in

Information about efforts to enroll eligible individuals in Medicaid and CHIP in .

Quality of Care in

Information about performance on frequently-reported health care quality measures in the CMS Medicaid/CHIP Child and Adult Core Sets in .

What is Medicaid insurance?

Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program for people with a low income. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

How many people are covered by Medicaid in Pennsylvania?

As of 2020, the program, along with the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covered 3.2 million people. This includes about 1.5 million children as shown by the image below.

What can a medical provider use a card for?

Your medical provider can use the card to obtain information about your eligibility for benefits, services. available, insurance information, managed care plan enrollment and individual restrictions to services. If you have other medical/health insurance coverage, be sure to give that information to your caseworker.

What is the phone number for medicaid?

Additionally, you can Call the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at 1-866-550-4355 . Resources LimitsMedicaid eligibility for some is also determined using resource and household size in comparison to resource limits. However, the resource limits do not apply to the following groups: Adults Age 19-64.

What is the age range for FPIG?

Adults age 19-64 with incomes at or below 133% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines (FPIG) Individuals who are aged (age 65 and older), blind and disabled. Families with children under age 21. Special Medical Assistance conditions.

When did Pennsylvania expand Medicaid?

Pennsylvania Medicaid Expansion Update. The state of Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2015. Nearly 700,000 people are covered under Pennsylvania’s Medicaid expansion. Medicaid expansion has played a significant role in the declining uninsured rate in Pennsylvania.

Does Pennsylvania require residency for Medicaid?

Residency. Medicaid assistance is available to individuals who are residents of Pennsylvania if all other eligibility requirements are met. There is no requirement regarding the length of time that a person must live in Pennsylvania in order to be eligible.

What is extra help?

And, you'll automatically qualify for. Extra Help. A Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug program costs, like premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. paying for your.

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 cover prescription drugs?

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

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."

How much can a spouse retain in 2021?

For married couples, in 2021, the community spouse (the non-applicant spouse of a nursing home Medicaid applicant or a HCBS Medicaid waiver applicant) can retain half of the couple’s joint assets up to a maximum of $130, 380, as the chart indicates above.

What happens if you violate the look back period?

Violating the look back period results in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. To be eligible for long-term care Medicaid in Pennsylvania, an applicant must have a functional need for such care.

How long is the Medicaid spend down period in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a six-month “spend-down” period, so once an individual / couple has paid their excess income down to the Medicaid eligibility limit for the period, they will qualify for the remainder of the period.

What income is counted for Medicaid?

Examples include employment wages, alimony payments, pension payments, Social Security Disability Income, Social Security Income, IRA withdrawals, and stock dividends.

When only one spouse of a married couple is applying for nursing home Medicaid or a Medicaid waiver, is the income

When only one spouse of a married couple is applying for nursing home Medicaid or a Medicaid waiver, only the income of the applicant is counted. Said another way, the income of the non-applicant spouse is disregarded.

What are countable assets for Medicaid?

Countable assets include stocks, bonds, investments, savings, and checking accounts. However, for Medicaid eligibility, there are many assets that are considered exempt (non-countable). For instance, Pennsylvania allows an extra $6,000 exemption, which is in addition to the asset limits listed above, for a total asset limit of $8,000. ...

What is Medicaid in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Medicaid Definition. Medicaid is a wide-ranging, jointly funded state and federal health care program for low-income individuals of all ages. However, this page is focused on Medicaid eligibility, specifically for Pennsylvania residents, aged 65 and over, and specifically for long term care, whether that be at home, ...

Behavioral HealthChoices

Medicaid eligible individuals enrolled in the program are automatically enrolled in the HC-BH program in the county of their residence. To find a county MH/DS office visit the Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and Developmental Services Opens In A New Window .

Community HealthChoices

Individuals WILL be enrolled in CHC if they are 21 years old or over and are:

There are three different ways to apply for or renew your benefits

Use the COMPASS website. You can see if you qualify, apply for, or renew benefits at the click of a button.

Not sure where to start?

If you or someone you care for is in need of long-term services and supports but are unsure of where to start when searching for benefits, try the Information Referral Tool. A short questionnaire will point you toward the help you need based on your needs.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9