Panama City Medicaid & Medicare Lawyers
Helping You Claim the Healthcare Benefits You Need
When you have a medical issue (physical or psychological) that prevents you from working, you are faced with the difficult situation of needing medical care but not having the ability to pay for it. Many people commonly overlook the fact that both Social Security Disability Insurance ("SSDI") and Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") programs include not only financial benefits but also Medicare and Medicaid respectively. In some cases these medical benefits can be applied retroactively back to the date you became disabled, helping you and your family to pay outstanding medical bills.
Schedule your initial consultation with The Disability Group today by calling (850) 296-0491 to speak with an experienced Panama City medicaid lawyer.
Understanding Medicare/SSDI
Medicare is a social health insurance program which provides coverage for individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability under the SSDI program, or are over the age of 65, as well as those individuals who suffer from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). For those who have not been able to afford paying for private health insurance, it can be of significant benefit.
Medicare consists of four parts:
- Part A - Pays benefits for inpatient care in a hospital or similar medical care facility, usually without a premium.
- Part B - Provides financial assistance for the services of a doctor or other healthcare provider as well as certain types of medical equipment and in-home health care services, some preventative services. You will have to pay a premium.
- Part C - Also referred to as Medicare Advantage, Part C is provided through a private insurance company which has been approved by Medicare. It supplies the benefits of Parts A and B.
- Part D - Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage provides assistance in paying for prescription drugs and is run by Medicare-approved insurance companies.
Steps to Apply for Medicare
- Determine Eligibility for SSDI: If you are under 65 and disabled, ensure you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Eligibility for SSDI automatically qualifies you for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period.
- Apply for SSDI: Submit your application for SSDI benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Enroll in Medicare: Once you receive SSDI benefits for 24 months, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You can then choose to enroll in additional parts, such as Part C or Part D.
- Consider Additional Coverage: Evaluate your healthcare needs and consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D).
Medicaid/SSI
Medicaid is a social safety net program which is available to those who qualify for Social Security Disability SSI program, and those with limited income and financial resources. Eligibility for Medicaid depends on being elderly, disabled or blind, and if you have been approved for Supplemental Security Income you may automatically be eligible for this type of coverage.
Steps to Apply for Medicaid
- Determine Your Eligibility: Before applying, verify your eligibility based on income, age, disability status, and other factors. Our lawyers can help assess your qualifications for Medicaid.
- Gather Necessary Documentation: Collect essential documents, including proof of income, medical records, and identification. Proper documentation is crucial for a smooth application process.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the Medicaid application accurately. Errors or omissions can lead to delays or denials.
- Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application online, by mail, or in person at your local Medicaid office.
- Follow Up: Keep track of your application status and promptly respond to any requests for additional information or documentation.
Contact The Disability Group by calling (850) 296-0491 for more information regarding your Medicare/Medicaid case.
The Disability Group Social Security Disability practice is built on helping people who have been denied benefits. The legal team is continually updating medical records and corresponding with the Hearing Office to review the claim in light of the new evidence in an effort to secure an approval prior to going to a Hearing. Our team at The Disability Group is focused on getting our clients the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve as soon as possible. In addition to receiving benefits from the date of your application's approval, it is possible in most cases to recover the benefits you would have received if your application had not been denied in the first place.