More Help
In addition to CLAIM's assistance, below you will find links to online resources that can help you make informed choices about Medicare and other benefits. These sites are not maintained by CLAIM.
Topics:
Extra Help from Social Security
If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for extra help with your Medicare Part D (prescription drug) costs through the Department of Social Security.
Medicaid Enrollment
Medicaid is the program through the state of Missouri to help provide health insurance to low-income individuals. The above link will take you to the federal Web site dealing with Medicaid. In Missouri, the Department of Social Security: Division of Medical Services oversees the Medicaid program and offers these links:
- Medical Assistance
- Missouri Medicaid Application
- Nursing Care
- Home and Community-Based Services
- Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment
- Supplemental Aid to the Blind
- Blind Pension
- Adult Supplemental Payments
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare's first ever drug coverage was signed into law on Dec. 8, 2003 and took effect in 2006. The above link will take you to the portion of Medicare.gov with more information about the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage available for all Medicare beneficiaries. If you want to change plans, you are generally limited to making changes between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31 of each year; however, there are some exceptions.
Missouri Rx Program
Missouri Rx
is Missouri's State Pharmacy Assistance Program. MoRx coordinates benefits with Medicare's (Part D) Prescription Drug Program and provides additional assistance for prescription drug costs to Missourians in need. Members must be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to receive Missouri Rx benefits. There is no cost or enrollment fee to join and no annual re-enrollment is required. MoRx pays for 50% of members' out-of-pocket costs remaining after their Medicare provider pays. It pays for half of the deductible, half of all co-pays and half of the gap. It does not provide assistance with the monthly premium.
RxAxassist.org
Patient assistance programs are run by pharmaceutical companies to provide free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine. RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of these patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news and articles so that health care professionals and patients can find the information they need.
RxOutreach.com
This is a
patient assistance program that provides affordable medicines for those who qualify financially.
Medicare Enrollment
Medicare enrollment is automatic if you enroll for your Social Security income prior to turning 65 or if you have received Social Security disability income for 24 consecutive months. The above link will take you to the section of Medicare.gov with more information about Medicare enrollment.
Medicare Billing and Appeals
Have you received a bill that Medicare did not pay and don't know why? The above link will take you to the portion of Medicare.gov with information about appealing Medicare's decisions.
Welcome to Medicare Physical Exam
If you have just enrolled in Medicare Part B, you qualify for a one-time preventive check-up (deductible and co-insurance apply) with your doctor. The exam must be completed during the first six months of enrollment in Part B. The check-up includes a full exam as well as education and counseling about preventive services.
My Health. My Medicare
Medicare offers this online site to help beneficiaries check on their benefits and services. The service is free.
Long-Term Care
Everyone has the potential of needing long-term care. Click the above link for information about what this means to you.
Medicare Choices
Once upon a time there was just Medicare. Then Medicare Supplements were added; then Medicare Advantage plans came along. The above link will take you to the section of Medicare.gov which explains Medicare variations.
Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
Medicare Part D requires plans to provide Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services to some beneficiaries. Who is eligible and what these services entail is left largely up to the plan.