Who is eligible for Medicare?
Medicare is available for individuals 65 and older, individuals receiving Social Security Disability benefits for at least 24 months, and for individuals with permanent kidney failure, ESRD, or ALS.
Where can I get a replacement Medicare card?
Replacement cards are available at the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Where can I find information on private Medicare plans?
You can find information on private Medicare plans by calling VAS, or by visiting the Medicare website.
What is Medicare fraud?
Medicare fraud takes many forms, but it most often means patients or doctors billing Medicare for services that are never provided. Recent estimates place the annual cost of Medicare fraud at $74 billion.
Do I have to join a Medicare prescription drug plan?
No. Medicare prescription drug coverage is completely optional. However, if you choose not to use a prescription drug plan when you are first eligible, and do not have creditable coverage, you may encounter penalties if you enroll later.
What is creditable coverage?
Creditable coverage is prescription drug coverage that is as good as, or better than, Medicare prescription drug coverage. To find out if your current coverage is creditable, ask your plan provider. If you have creditable coverage, you do not need to join a Medicare prescription drug plan, and will not be penalized if you enroll in one later.
I already have a Medicare drug plan. Can I keep it?
You can stay with your prescription drug plan as long as it continues to be offered. Every year you have the option to compare and change plans.
Can I change my Medicare coverage?
You can change your Medicare prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan every year during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7. Changes go into effect on January 1.
How do I know if Medicare has paid my claims?
If you are in Original Medicare, you can track claims with your Medicare Summary Notice, available online or sent quarterly by mail. If you are in Medicare Advantage, you can track claims with your Explanation of Benefits, available online through your insurance company or sent by mail.
What do I do if a claim is denied by Medicare?
If you are in Original Medicare and your claim is denied, directions for an appeal can be found in your next Medicare Summary Notice; you will need to sign the document and circle the disputed claims. If you are in Medicare Advantage and your claim is denied, directions for an appeal can be found in your next Explanation of Benefits.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is often confused with Medicare. Medicaid is a state-run public assistance program which pays for certain healthcare costs for low-income individuals in specific eligibility categories. For more information on Medicaid, visit the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services.
Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid?
If you are over 65 or disabled, and you have limited income and resources, you could have both Medicare and Medicaid. For more information on eligibility or to apply for Medicaid, visit the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services.
