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Social Security and Medicare

My Dallas office can help you with determining Social Security benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare eligibility.

I need information on how to apply for Medicare.

Go to the Medicare Frequently Asked Questions page.

Who Regulates Medicaid?

Medicaid is regulated by the State of Texas and you will need to contact your state elected official and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for assistance at.

State of Texas

www.capitol.state.tx.us: enter your address to find your elected official
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (800) 252-8263

Medicare's New Prescription Drug Program Facts:

Medicare began prescription drug coverage on January 1, 2006.
Medicare pays for both brand name and generic drugs.
Medicare prescription drug coverage is optional, and totally voluntary.
Medicare provides extra help for those who qualify through the Social Security Administration or the state.
Everyone with Medicare is eligible regardless of income level, resources, pre- existing conditions, or current prescription expenses.
There are two types of Medicare prescription drug plans:

Additional coverage to the original Medicare fee for service plan;
Coverage that is a part of Medicare Advantage Health Plans (ex. HMOs, PPOs; PFFSs)

Do I qualify for Extra Help?

You automatically qualify for extra help if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, both Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both Medicare and a Medicare Savings Program.
To see if you qualify for extra help, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s website or The U.S. Social Security Administration’s website.
Apply for extra help through the Social Security Administration.

Do I Qualify for disability and SSI?

Use Social Security's Screening Tool (BEST) to check if you do.

What if I have Medigap policy?

If you have a Medigap policy, you will need to make some decisions. It is your choice to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

What I need to know:

Medicare will give you at least two plans to choose from in your area.
• You cannot have prescription drug coverage under both a Medigap policy and a Medicare prescription drug plan at the same time.
Your options with Medigap and Medicare:

Enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and keep the Medigap policy without the prescription drug coverage.
• Enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan by May 15, 2006, and you can switch from your current Medigap policy to one that does not include prescription drug coverage.

Enroll in an HMO, PPO or PFFS that offers prescription drug coverage. Therefore, you will not need a Medigap policy.

Keep the Medigap policy that you currently have.
For assistance on deciding which plan best meets your needs, call the Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-252-9240.