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Medicare

How Do I Replace My Medicare Card?

By Asset Protection Planning, Elder Law, Long-Term Care, Medicaid Planning

If your Medicare card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you have three options to replace it:

  • Call the National Security Hotline at 800-772-1213
    • You will need to provide your:
      • Name as it appears on your most recent Social Security card;
      • Social Security number; and
      • Date of birth.
    • Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.
  • Apply for a new card online
    • Go to https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.do
    • If you don’t already have an account, you can create one online. Go to Sign in or Create an Account.
    • Once you are logged in to your account, select the “Replacement Documents” tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare Card.”
    • Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security.
    • You can only create an account using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You cannot create an account for another person or using another. person’s information or identity, even if you have that person’s written permission.
  • Go to your local Social Security office
    • You can find your local Social Security office and their hours by entering your zip code at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
    • Make sure to bring a government issued photo ID, and your Social Security number.

If you have specific questions regarding asset protection planning and Medicaid eligibility, the experienced elder law attorneys of Bach, Jacobs & Byrne, P.A. are here to assist you. Call us at (941)906-1231 to set up a consultation.

May 15, 2020
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Medicare vs. Medicaid: What are you eligible for?

By Medicaid Planning, Medicare

Medicare is a federally funded program for which most U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents over the age of 65 who have lived in the country for over five years are eligible for. Medicaid, among other things, supports individuals and families by covering costs associated with both medical and long-term custodial care for those who qualify. Eligibility for Medicaid is means-based, and the program has strict asset and income eligibility requirements that vary from state to state. For more information on current qualification requirements, individuals should visit Medicaid.gov. Additionally, Babette Bach is a Board Certified Elder Lawyer and can assist you with your questions about public benefits and qualifications for Medicaid.

August 4, 2017
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Understanding the Parts of Medicare: Medicare Part D

By Medicare

Medicare part D provides outpatient prescription drug coverage. This part of Medicare is optional and is offered through private companies, which are certified by centers for Medicare/Medicaid services each year. If you want Medicare Part D coverage, you can either apply for a stand-alone plan or, if you have Medicare Part C coverage, you can get your Part D coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare.gov has an excellent program to assist you in choosing the best plan given your geographic location and your current prescriptions.

 

August 1, 2017
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Understanding the Parts of Medicare: Medicare Part C

By Medicare

Medicare part C, also known as Medicare advantage, is the alternative to Traditional Medicare Part B Benefits. It is an HMO model of care that is offered by private insurance companies that Medicare has approved. These private insurance companies typically offer enhanced benefits in addition to those that are traditionally available. These plans have networks to provide services, meaning only specific doctors and hospitals are covered. Each company has its own rules as to which facilities and doctors are covered. These plans are more affordable than Traditional Medicare but they are much more regulated and restrictive.

July 28, 2017
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Understanding the Parts of Medicare: Medicare Part B

By Medicare

Medicare Part B is your Medical Insurance, and it covers two types of services: medically necessary services and preventative services. Medically necessary services include services or supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat your medical condition, such as doctor’s office visits, lab work, outpatient surgeries and x-rays. Preventative services are designed to keep you healthy, and include things such as cancer screenings or flu shots. Medicare Part B also covers medically necessary durable equipment, such as wheelchairs or walkers. Most individuals are required to pay a premium for this type of coverage. This is “Traditional” Medicare and you get to choose any provider you wish who accepts Medicare.

July 25, 2017
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Understanding the Parts of Medicare: Medicare Part A

By Medicare

There are four Main components of Medicare: Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D. Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance and it covers medically necessary hospital care, limited nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home health services. Medicare Part A is free if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (40 Calendar quarters). If you have worked and paid taxes for less time, you have to pay a monthly premium. It does not cover long-term care, most dental care, acupuncture, routine foot care, or eye examinations to prescribe glasses.

July 21, 2017
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How does Medicare cover chiropractic care?

By Medicare

Medicare covers chiropractic care, but the coverage differs from that of ordinary medical care from your doctor. Medicare only covers the chiropractic adjustment. This restriction is due to the wording of the Social Security Act, and for more services to be covered by Medicare, new legislation would have to be passed.

In order to qualify for the coverage, the doctor is required to produce information and evidence that proves the adjustments are medically necessary. To meet the Medicare requirements, the doctor must use forms and questionnaires, and may be required to take x-rays if necessary. X-rays and other examinations are not covered by Medicare.

Medicare requires that you have “functional improvement” or you will be denied coverage. Functional improvement shows that your care is medically necessary and is not simply “maintenance care.” If you no longer have functional improvement, your doctor is required by law to inform Medicare.

May 12, 2017
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What are some of the federal regulations for home care workers that work through a Medicaid-funded, self-directed program?

By Elder Law, Long-Term Care, Medicaid Planning

If you hired a worker through a self-directed program and act as the employer, federal regulations require that you:

  • You are responsible for making sure the home care workers receives minimum wage and any overtime pay
  • Make sure the fiscal intermediary pays the worker properly, if necessary
  • Make sure the fiscal intermediary or agency keeps employment records
August 5, 2016
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