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FINANCIAL AND LEGAL MATTERS
Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid
Learn about the different types of financial assistance available as options to assist with the costs of Parkinson’s, including Medicare and Medicaid.
There are many options available to assist with the financial burden of a chronic illness such as Parkinson’s, however navigating and understanding the differences between each can be difficult. Many have different criteria for qualification, so be sure to research each option to create a financial plan that works for you.
Types of Insurance
Below are the major types of insurance that may be used to assist with medical costs associated with Parkinson’s.
Employee insurance is any policy you are offered from your employer. If you are insured, either through your employer or a retirement policy, read all of the policies; including disability policies, pertaining to chronic illness. If you do not understand your benefits, contact the personnel department or your financial planner. Be sure to find out if your insurance covers referral to a specialist in Parkinson’s disease.
Private insurance can be purchased if you are unemployed and you do not have health coverage. When comparing private insurance policies, look for the highest level of coverage that you can afford. As with employee insurance, be sure to always read all of the policies pertaining to chronic illness, including the disability policies, and whether the policy will cover referral to a specialist in Parkinson’s disease.
If you are 65 or over, you will qualify for Medicare, but Medicare is also very complex. Visit the government’s official webpage on Medicare by clicking here.
There are also options to supplement this insurance with a “Medigap” policy available through a private insurer. Visit the official Medicare site to learn more.
If you are disabled, but too young to qualify for Social Security, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability.
To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered. To learn more about prescription drug coverage, go to the official Medicare Site.
If you cannot secure private or employer insurance and your income is low, you may qualify for Medicaid, a government program that pays for medical costs that exceed a person’s ability to pay. For more information on qualifying for Medicaid, visit the government website for the Medicaid program in your state. Click here to learn more about Medicaid in the state of Colorado.
