Hello Ben!

I am working with someone who is currently receiving SSI benefits (he became entitled in March of 2009). We just found out this person will probably become eligible for Disabled Widower’s Benefits, retroactive to September of 2008. His Disabled Widower’s Benefit will be about $847.00 per month. The consumer is very concerned about the potential loss of his Medicaid. He currently has no other income, although he is looking for work. He will turn 60 in August and has a 17-year old son who lives with him.

According to the Medicaid Eligibility Handbook, it appears this consumer would qualify for Special Status Medicaid as a Widower until he becomes eligible for Medicare Part A. Is it true that he will lose Special Status Medicaid once he becomes eligible for Medicare Part A? If he loses it and wants to keep Medicaid, would he have to choose between the Medicaid Deductible Program, BadgerCare Plus, and MAPP? I want to make sure I’m not missing anything for him, since I haven’t worked with Disabled Widow’s benefits very often.

Thanks for your time and assistance!
Karin, Green Bay

Dear Karin,

Your question is an excellent one. It looks like the gentleman you are working with should most definitely apply for Medicaid at his local office.

You are correct. A person cannot have the Widow(er) Special Status Medicaid coverage if they are getting Medicare Part A. When he becomes eligible for Medicare, he will no longer be eligible for this type of Medicaid. Also like you mentioned, his other options for Medicaid would be Medically Needy Medicaid (deductible), MAPP, or BadgerCare+ until his son ages out of the program. He is not likely eligible for HIRSP because he is eligible for Medicaid, but it might be worth checking out nonetheless. Also, he could review Medicare Supplement plans to see if there is one that is affordable and offers the coverage he needs. The best thing for this gentleman to do is to review all of his options and compare costs and coverage to determine what would work best for him.

I would love to hear how everything turns out. Keep us posted!

Sincerely,
Ben

Karin Zuleger