Medicare and Medicaid

Websites:

Medicare.gov  Medicare is the basic health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older and many people with disabilities. People qualify for Medicare based on the Medicare tax they paid through their work. Workers’ spouses and minor and adult children with disabilities may also be covered. Medicare coverage is automatic upon reaching age 65, but people who are on Social Security Disability Insurance must wait two years before they can be covered. The Medicare website provides a wealth of information about the program, benefits and billing, among other topics.

Medicaid.gov  Medicaid is an entitlement program that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low income and resources. Military families with a disabled member who is qualified to receive Supplemental Security Income payments or is struggling with the cost of care can apply for Medicaid. Medicaid may provide eligible military families with benefits over and above those offered by TRICARE, although it will be necessary for them to reapply upon each move to another state. The Medicaid website provides an overview of the program and information on enrollment and coverage, Medicaid initiatives, as well as how to obtain prescription drugs through Medicaid. The website also allows users to browse information related to Medicaid by provider type and by special topic.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicaid State Waiver Demonstration Projects  As a result of the Social Security Act, states are allowed flexibility in operating Medicaid programs through research and demonstration projects, managed care and freedom of choice waivers, and home and community-based services waivers. This website provides an overview of these demonstration projects and waivers, information for consumers and a listing of the current projects and waivers by state.

Medicaid: State by State Fact Sheets  The National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions, together with the American Academy of Pediatrics, have produced a series of one-page, state-specific fact sheets about the issue of children and Medicaid. Medicaid provides health insurance for one in every five American children, making it the largest children’s health program in the country.

Fact Sheets:

Social Security

Websites:

Social Security Administration  The Social Security Administration delivers social security services through a nationwide network of more than 1,400 offices that include regional offices, field offices, card centers, teleservice centers, processing centers, hearing offices, the Appeals Council and state and territorial partners. Included on the website are sections detailing the history of the Social Security Act, legislation and congressional affairs related to Social Security, sections of the Social Security Act that relate to pay and allowances of the uniformed services, international Social Security Administration operations, a local office search tool and benefits for grandchildren.

Compilation of the Social Security Laws  This document, provided by the Social Security Administration, lists the full text of the Social Security Act, as amended, and selected provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

Social Security Supplemental Security Income  Supplemental Security Income is a federal income supplement program, funded by general tax revenues, designed to help people age 65 and older, people with blindness and people with other disabilities, who have little or no income. The program does so by providing money to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. Included on the website is a section devoted to special rules for children of military personnel living overseas.

Women, Infants, and Children Program

Department of Defense Women, Infants and Children Overseas Program  This program for eligible participants living overseas provides service members and their families with several important benefits such as nutritious food, tips on how to prepare balanced meals, nutrition and health screenings, and access to other resources that help service members and their families lead healthier lives.