California Change on Payment of Part B Fees Sparking Concerns
Californians whose Medicare Part B premiums will no longer be paid by the state should consult local Medi-Cal case workers to see if they are eligible for other assistance, according to Medi-Cal chief Stan Rosenstein, the Ventura County Star reports. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.
This month, California stopped paying Medicare Part B premiums for about 57,000 beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medi-Cal benefits. The change in policy will affect Medicare beneficiaries whose Medi-Cal share of cost exceeds $500 monthly.
The $96.40 monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be deducted from beneficiaries' Social Security checks beginning in December.
Rosenstein -- chief deputy director for the California Department of Health Care Services -- said that Medi-Cal had to change the policy because of California's budget deficit (Kisken, Ventura County Star, 11/5).
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