2025 Application for Medicaid in the United States California Medicaid, Medicare: Comparison of eligibility criteria and benefits

From the above we can see that the two basic plans of the Red and Blue Card are  Part A + Part B + Part D and Part C. Although the latter plan is cheaper, Part C actually has many restrictions, and the scope of payment may be smaller than the former. It still depends on personal needs to decide the most suitable combination.

Medicare application time:

About two or three months before turning 65 (9 months after turning 64), the government will mail you the application form for pension benefits and Medicare. You must apply within three months after turning 65 , and you must reply even if you do not want to participate, otherwise you will be fined. If you do not register for Part B during the first application period, you can only register during the period from January 1 to March 31 each year.

Steps to apply for Medicare:

Call (you can also apply online ) or make an appointment at the local Social Security Office. If necessary, you can ask for an interpreter, or you can have your family accompany you. You need to prepare your Social Security card, ID, and birth certificate (or citizenship certificate or valid passport). The process is very simple. After filling out the form and the Social Security Office staff gives a general explanation, it is completed. In the past, you will receive the red and blue cards within about two weeks (depending on your personal choice, you may also receive the prescription drug plan card and other brochures). However, due to the current epidemic, the overall operation time may be extended.

Medicare effective time:

It depends on the time of application. If the application is made within three months before turning 65, it will take effect in the month of birthday. If the application is made in the month of turning 65, it will take effect one month after the month of birthday. If the application is made after the month of birthday, it will be delayed until two or three months later.

Note: If you are eligible for Social Security Assistance (SSI, a subsidy for low-income and low-asset seniors ), you will automatically be eligible for the White Card in addition to the Red and Blue Cards.

Have both red, blue and white cards

Medi-Cal and Medi-Medis are independent medical insurance plans, both of which cover medical services such as seeing a doctor, hospitalization, and medication (the quality is not compared in detail). However, if you meet both qualifications (dual eligibles/Medi-Medis), such as low-income/low-asset households over 65 years old , you can participate in both insurance plans at the same time. Some details of the two insurances will interact with each other, but the general understanding is that the monthly fee required by the Medi-Cal will be borne by the Medi-Cal.