HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...

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Questions & Answers
Are there any plans for
people with Medicare
and Medi-Cal?
Your area may have a
Medicare Special Needs
Plan for people who have
both Medicare and Medi-
Cal. To learn more about
these plans, call HICAP.
My mother needs longterm
care and has run
out of money. What can
she do?
She may be able to get
Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal pays
for long-term care in a
nursing home or at home.
I applied for Medi-Cal. If
I get it, should I stay in my
Medicare HMO?
You should talk to a HICAP
counselor who can explain
all your choices.
things you can do
Apply for Medi-Cal
Call your county Social Services office for an
application.
You can ask Medi-Cal to pay your health care
costs for the 3 months before the month when
you apply.
Apply for a Medicare Savings Program
If you already have Medicare Part A, call your
county Social Services office.
If you are just turning 65 and you have to pay for
Medicare Part A, apply for Part A at your nearest
Social Security office. You must apply between
January 1 and March 31. Say that you want
“conditional” Medicare Part A under the Qualified
Medical Beneficiary program (QMB).
For more information, call HICAP or visit
www.cahealthadvocates.org.
where to find help
California Health Advocates
Information on Medicare
www.cahealthadvocates.org
HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy)
Free information and counseling on Medicare
1-800-434-0222 www.aging.ca.gov/hicap