When you contact your U.S. Senators or your U.S. Representative to ask them to not cut Medicaid, it’s important to understand the difference between Medicare, Medicaid & Medicaid Waiver.
Broadly speaking, Medicare, Medicaid & Medicaid Waiver are government-funded programs for different populations.
MEDICARE
- Primarily funded by federal taxes.
- Health insurance for adults age 65 & older.
- Individuals may pay premiums, deductibles & co-pays.
- Offers hospital care (Part A), medical services (Part B), prescriptions (Part D) & supplemental health insurance (Part C).
MEDICAID
- Funded by a combination of federal & state funds.
- Provides health coverage & programs to low-income individuals.
- Individuals usually don’t pay premiums or deductibles.
- Covers medical services like hospital care, dr. visits, prescriptions & long-term care.
- Some people we serve receive Medicaid because of their income level.
MEDICAID WAIVER
- Allows children & adults with disabilities to use traditional Medicaid AND additional life-enhancing supports.
- Eligibility for the Waiver is based on disability.
- It “waives” Medicaid’s income requirements.
- Funds vital supports to empower people to work, live more independently & enjoy community life.
- Almost all adults we serve are on Medicaid Waver.
- Is a major source of Noble’s funding.
When you contact Congress to ask that they don’t cut Medicaid funding, you don’t need to go into this kind of nuanced conversation. However, it’s helpful to understand the distinctions between Medicare, Medicaid & Medicaid Waiver.
WE WANT YOUR STORY
If you or a loved one is on Medicaid Waiver, please contact us to share your story. We’d love to hear the impact that the Waiver has on you, or how NOT having the Waiver (because you’re on the waiting list) limits what you can achieve.
