Elder Law Newsletters

Part A - Home Health Care and Confinement

Medicare Part A will cover many of the costs associated with home health care if the care is both medically reasonable and necessary. If the patient is not entitled to Part A coverage, Part B may provide coverage.

Medicare - Supplemental Health Insurance - Need and Eligibility

There are many items that Original Medicare will not cover under either Part A hospitalization coverage or Part B medical insurance. These include routine care, such as annual medical checkups, eye examinations and corrective wear, dental work, and most immunizations. Items that are not medically reasonable or necessary are also excluded. Examples of these items include cosmetic surgery, private nurses, and personal conveniences. In addition to items that are not covered, Medicare beneficiaries must pay coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles, all of which increase their out-of-pocket costs and create a market for supplemental health insurance.

MEDICAID BENEFITS FOR NURSING HOME CARE

All citizens of the United States are eligible to receive Medicaid benefits. Certain "qualified aliens" as defined under 8 U.S.C.S. § 1641 are also entitled to Medicaid benefits. States are authorized to determine the eligibility of a "qualified alien."