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Aged, Blind and Disabled Manual Section: Medicare Savings Programs Policy Manual Number: 120.005 Chapter: Medicare Savings Programs Overview

March 1, 2024 Division of TennCare 3 5. No longer considered disabled due to work activities (limited eligibility period). Individuals who are not eligible for premium-free Medicare may become eligible by paying the Part A monthly premium. An individual under age 65 who does not receive SSDI benefits cannot buy into Part A coverage. ii. Benefits

Medicare Part A coverage includes inpatient hospitalization, some follow-up and 100 days of skilled level nursing home care.

b. Medicare Part B

i. Eligibility

Medicare Part B coverage is available to any individual age 65 or older, or to individuals who have enough work quarters and have been disabled for a minimum of 24 months. Eligible individuals must pay monthly premiums.

ii. Benefits

Medicare Part B coverage includes physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, medical supplies, outpatient hospital care, and other services.

c. Medicare Part C

Medicare Part C is also known as the Medicare Advantage plans. Individuals who are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B may choose to receive their Medicare benefits through private health insurance plans. These plans are administered by health insurance companies, rather than the federal government.

d. Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is the outpatient prescription drug coverage component of Medicare. Anyone who is eligible/enrolled in Part A or B is eligible for Part D. Part D is administered by private health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers but is regulated by CMS.

5. Application for MSPs

a. Application Forms

Acceptable application forms for the MSPs include the TennCare application or an application submitted to the FFM. The TennCare application and FFM account transfer are processed by TennCare. In addition, the Low-income Subsidy (LIS) applications for Medicare Part D also initiate an application for the MSPs.