SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIITS INCREASE IN 2023

There's good news for persons who receive Social Security benefits.  Starting January 2023 benefits will increase by 8.7 percent, one of the largest increases in almost 40 years.

The increase is automatically provided and is tied to the rate of inflation, which has been high in 2022.  The increase did not require any vote by Congress or action by the president.  An adjustment, called a Cost of Living Adjustment or Cola is made each year based on how much the cost of living goes up.

 

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEDICARE AND MEDICAID

 Medicare comes with Social Security disability or SSDI benefits.

Medicaid comes with Supplemental Security Income or SSI benefits.

It is possible for some individuals to get both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time, though most do not get both.

Medicare can be obtained in 2 ways:  by reaching age 65 or by becoming disabled under Social Security's rules before age 65.  Medicare coverage begins 24 months after a claimant's disability pay begins.  This coverage comes automatically with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI benefits), and is a federal government program.

Medicare has an annual premium or cost for Part B coverage. In 2023 this premium will be $164.90 per month.  "Part B" covers outpatient treatment, such as doctor's visits, outpatient testing, etc.

Medicaid, on the other hand, is a state program which automatically comes with Supplemental Security Income or SSI.  There isn't a waiting period for Medicaid.  It can be effective as soon as you are approved for SSI benefits.  There is no premium for Medicaid.

These two important programs are intended to help pay costs for medical care and make it possible for the disabled and elderly to get good medical care.