Answers:
Q: What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
A: Medicare is an insurance program. Medical bills are paid from trust funds that those who are covered have paid into. It primarily serves people over 65 and younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Patients pay part of costs through deductibles for hospital and other costs. Small monthly premiums are required for non-hospital coverage. Medicare is a federal program. It is basically the same everywhere in the United States and is run by the Health Care Financing Administration, an agency of the federal government.
Medicaid is an assistance program. Medical bills are paid from federal, state and local tax funds. It serves low-income people of every age. Patients usually pay no part of costs for covered medical expenses. A small co-payment is sometimes required. Medicaid is a federal-state program. It varies from state to state. It is run by state and local governments according to federal guidelines.
Q: I'll be 65 years old soon. When should I sign up for Medicare?
A: Generally, you should file for Medicare benefits three months before turning age 65. Remember, Medicare benefits can begin no earlier than age 65. If you are already receiving cash benefits, you will automatically be entitled to Medicare without an additional application. You will receive a Medicare card about two months before turning age 65.
Q: How is the privacy of my medical records protected?
A: You have the right to talk with health care providers in private and to have your personal health care information kept private as protected under federal and state laws. If you have any questions about the HIPAA privacy rule, look at the National Standards to Protect the Privacy of Personal Health Information, http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa, on the web.
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