Medicare/ Medicaide

[Barbara J 115]

Hey VJers. just a quick question about Medicare and Medicaid. Have just filed my AOS last week and am confused as the the US system on Medicare and Medicaid.

Is this run by the government like it is in Australia? or do you have to apply and pay. Just not sure what and how I go about this. I need to see a chiro and they asked me if I had medicaid and I said no as not sure what the set up is here.

In Australia everyone has Medicare and is government subsidised. When you go to a doctor it covers 85% of the cost and if the practitioner charges over the standard fee you pay the difference. I have private health insurance with my husband through the army but just don't understand their system here.

Thanks for any answers.

Edited October 26, 2010 by barbarajlw

[katie & sifa 25]

If you have private insurance you should tell the chiropractor what kind of insurance it is to see if they accept that plan. If they don't, try to find a chiro who does accept it either by calling around or if your insurance provider has a website then you can usually look there. With private insurance you shouldn't need (and probably wouldn't qualify for) Medicaid.

Just for general info though, Medicaid is a state program (for Georgia see here: http://dch.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,31446711_31945377,00.html) and Medicare is a federal program for ages 65+, the disabled who have a work history and people with renal failure. Since you have private insurance though that is what you will need to use when you see any kind of doctor.

[moroccogirlny 100]

Medicaid is a means-tested health and medical services program for certain individuals and families with low incomes and few resources.

Medicare is a Federal health insurance program that pays for hospital and medical care for elderly and certain disabled Americans.

[Barbara J 115]

Medicaid is a means-tested health and medical services program for certain individuals and families with low incomes and few resources.

Medicare is a Federal health insurance program that pays for hospital and medical care for elderly and certain disabled Americans.

Thankyou for that now it's all clearer

[VanessaTony 3,567]

** moved from "Adjustment of Status (Green Card) from Family Based Visas" to Moving Here and Your New Life In America as this isn't an AOS question or a qn about the immigration process, but a "life in USA" qn**

[Yellowhead 12]

Thankyou for that now it's all clearer

Unlike Canada (and I think Australia as well) the USA doesn't have a universal plan for everybody that covers basic costs. In Canada we have this and private insurance is used for other services, such as chiropractic, dental, eyecare, etc. Basically, private insurance in Canada is a top up. In the USA, your private insurance is your only insurance in most cases. If your husband has this, it is what you would use at the doctor. You are also generally limited to the *brand* of hospital you can use, and the doctors you are able to visit. It is a big change coming from a country where everything is subsidized. You will want to see as well if your husband's insurance requires a co-payment. Most providers require this on their basic plans, and essentially it is a deductible of sorts. You pay so much up front, and they cover the rest. He should have an HR company you can call about this stuff and they can explain it in detail. Be aware that the costs of medical are outrageous in the USA, so never go to a hospital HOPING your insurance will cover you, because you will have a big fat bill on your hands. Find out the facts prior to getting sick.

[Barbara J 115]

Unlike Canada (and I think Australia as well) the USA doesn't have a universal plan for everybody that covers basic costs. In Canada we have this and private insurance is used for other services, such as chiropractic, dental, eyecare, etc. Basically, private insurance in Canada is a top up. In the USA, your private insurance is your only insurance in most cases. If your husband has this, it is what you would use at the doctor. You are also generally limited to the *brand* of hospital you can use, and the doctors you are able to visit. It is a big change coming from a country where everything is subsidized. You will want to see as well if your husband's insurance requires a co-payment. Most providers require this on their basic plans, and essentially it is a deductible of sorts. You pay so much up front, and they cover the rest. He should have an HR company you can call about this stuff and they can explain it in detail. Be aware that the costs of medical are outrageous in the USA, so never go to a hospital HOPING your insurance will cover you, because you will have a big fat bill on your hands. Find out the facts prior to getting sick.

Thanks Heather and am lucky we are with the Military so I am covered but you are right we have selected doctors to go to and we use the military hospital on base here. It is very different here as Australia is the same as you in Canada we had medicare and private insurance which covers what you listed and also choice of doctor and wards in hospital and allows you to use private hospitals too. Thank goodness I don't get sick and have good health both my husband and I. Thanks again for responding

[lynJer 7]

Im sort of thinking a trip back to Oz would work out cheaper should I get sick.....???

[Yellowhead 12]

Im sort of thinking a trip back to Oz would work out cheaper should I get sick.....???

Once giving up residency (not citizenship) in Oz, it is likely that your medical coverage will end. Should you return, most countries require you to be a resident for so many days or months before being covered again. You would have to become a resident again, meaning you will likely no longer be a resident of the US. If you get severely ill, it might be a good option. If nothing else, it is a good fall back should you become chronically ill in your future for any reason. I am glad to have that fall back as well.

Basically, purchase insurance whenever you visit the USA (travel insurance when visiting) and when you land on US soil with your visa. TRUST ME on this one. It sucks to shell out money, but less than 60 bucks a month can save you thousands should anything happen. I got bit by a dog last summer when visiting my fiance, and the hospital bill was over $2300 just for a bandaid, 1 antibiotic, and a TDAP shot. Boy was I glad I paid the extra for insurance (and a $0 deductable at that...). I will never go again without it.

There are plans available for newly landed visa holders, if your spouse cannot put you on their insurance immediately. Get yourself covered and it will cover your butt! I am so glad I live in a country where my health won't bankrupt me.

[Barbara J 115]

Im sort of thinking a trip back to Oz would work out cheaper should I get sick.....???

Oh heavens no how do you work that out Lynjer? I have no medical back there now and no medicard either as ll that is cancelled when I left.

[kaffy 2]

Once giving up residency (not citizenship) in Oz, it is likely that your medical coverage will end. Should you return, most countries require you to be a resident for so many days or months before being covered again. You would have to become a resident again, meaning you will likely no longer be a resident of the US. If you get severely ill, it might be a good option. If nothing else, it is a good fall back should you become chronically ill in your future for any reason. I am glad to have that fall back as well.

No such requirement for Aussie citizens or permanent residents. Your coverage continues, even if you live abroad.

Im sort of thinking a trip back to Oz would work out cheaper should I get sick.....???

For elective procedures, yes, it would work out cheaper for your wallet. But for emergent situations you don't really have a choice