The process of finding a group home in Phoenix, Arizona for yourself or your loved one can be an extremely daunting and painful process. Not to mention, confusing. Phoenix-based senior placement companies, like Integrity Senior Placement, aim to make this process easier by providing you with useful information. One of the many, many questions you may have right now is about the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. While they sound alike, the two programs do have some major differences.
Both programs are government run, although they are separate. Different parts of the government operate and fund each program and they mainly serve different groups of people, although some seniors may be eligible for both programs. If you are eligible for both, they will work together to provide coverage.
Medicare is a federal program aimed at providing health coverage to people over the age of 65 or people with certain disabilities who may be under the age of 65, regardless of income. It is considered an insurance program where bills are paid from funds which covered individuals have probably already paid into. A patient may pay some portion of the costs through deductibles and small monthly premiums may be required for non-hospital coverage. This program is basically the same in each state.
Medicare is broken down into parts A, B, C, and D. Part A is hospital insurance, which includes inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, home health care, and is usually free if paid into. Part B, medical insurance, covers services from doctors and healthcare providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and preventative services. Part B usually requires a standard premium to be paid. Part C is Medicare advantage/ all-in-one alternative. Part D is prescription drug coverage.
Medicaid, on the other hand, is a state and federal program that gives health coverage to individuals with very low incomes. This is considered an assistive program. Usually patients do not pay any part of costs for covered medical expenses, although a small copay is sometimes required. This is a federal and state program, and details will vary from state to state. It is run by state and local governments within federal guidelines.
While this process can be confusing and stressful to navigate, there are some ways to minimize those feelings. Phoenix-based senior group home placement companies, like Integrity Senior Placement, aim to minimize your stress while helping you find the right facility for you and/or your loved ones.
