Once someone is found disabled and eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits they automatically qualify for Medicare. This government-run health insurance program provides hospital insurance and benefits for prescription drugs that physicians prescribe for certain conditions.
What Is The Prescription Drug Benefit?
The Prescription Drug Benefit, provides outpatient prescription drugs to the aged and disabled. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administers the Prescription Drug Benefit program.
What Role Does SSA Have In The Prescription Drug Benefit Program?
SSA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are working together to provide persons with limited income and resources Extra Help paying for their prescription drugs. SSA’s role in this partnership is to provide general information to the public about the Prescription Drug Benefit and the Extra Help with prescription drug costs. SSA supplies applications for the Extra Help with prescription drug costs and assists the public with filing the applications. SSA processes the applications and appeals for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. SSA also performs some collection activities. To learn more about the Prescription Drug Benefit, go to: www.medicare.gov.
What Are The Parts Of The Medicare Program?
There are four parts to the Medicare program. (See Chapter 24.) Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) helps pay for inpatient hospital care, inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility, home health care, and hospice care. Medicare medical insurance (Part B) helps pay for physician services, outpatient hospital services, outpatient physical therapy, other medical services, and supplies and equipment that are not covered by Part A. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are plans offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide all Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans are HMOs, PPOs, or Private Fee-for-Service Plans. Some plans also offer prescription drug coverage. The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) provides outpatient prescription drug coverage for the aged and disabled.
