Medicare and Medicaid
Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, South Carolina
Contrary to what many people 
think, Medicare and Medicaid are two different government programs. For this reason, when dealing with issues concerning either of these programs, it is wise to hire a knowledgeable attorney from the Dick James Law Firm who knows the ins and outs of the system and can help you obtain the benefits to which you are entitled.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a health insurance program designed for people who are 65 years or older, people under 65 with certain disabilities and people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring a transplant or dialysis). Medicare is provided in two parts. Part A is hospital insurance which most people do not have to pay for, and Part B which is medical insurance which is paid for monthly.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a grant-in-aid program in South Carolina that provides medical care to needy persons who have low income. The cost of this program is shared by the state and federal government.
Every state has its own Medicaid program, so it is important to know the rules and services for the state you live in. You may be eligible to receive Medicaid in South Carolina, but ineligible in other states.
Benefits
The benefits covered by Medicaid include:
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient
- Emergency room
- Doctor office visits (including physician, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner and midwife)
- Lab and x-ray
- Well child care including EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment)
- Well adult care
- Dental/teeth
- Vision/eyes
- Prescription medications (not all drugs are covered)
- Medical equipment
- Hospice
- Ambulance
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Nursing facility
- Inpatient psychiatric care
- Home health
- Physical therapy
- Family planning
- ICF (Intermediate Care Facility) for mental retardation
- Mental health services
- Speech-language therapy
- Family support services
- Alcohol and drug abuse services
- Behavioral health services (for emotionally disturbed children)
- Home and community based long-term care services
- Targeted case management
Eligibility
If you qualify, Medicaid will pay for Part B of your Medicare premium. Individuals are allowed to collect both Medicare and Medicaid benefits simultaneously. If the medical provider you use accepts you as a Medicaid patient, you should only have to pay for care that is not covered by one or the other.
To be eligible for Medicaid you must be one of the following:
- Age 65 or older
- Totally and permanently disabled
- Pregnant
- A caretaker living with a child under the age of 18
- Under the age of 19
You must also meet the rules of income which state that you must have income resources below a certain limit. You must also meet non-income rules including living in the state where you are applying for benefits, be a citizen of the U.S. and it must be a medical necessity that you obtain Medicaid.
If you have questions about, or are trying to qualify for Medicare or Medicaid benefits in the areas of Anderson, Spartanburg or Greenville, South Carolina, you should consult an attorney experienced in helping people with these programs. Please contact the Dick James Law Firm to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn how we can help you.
800-714-6029
The Dick James Law Firm
611 N. Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
