Medicare and Medicaid are insurance programs offered by the government for people who meet certain eligibility requirements. VNS CHOICE offers all of the benefits that the government does, and provides additional benefits through its plans. You can be sure you get the care you need at a cost you can afford.

Medicare and Medicaid are insurance programs designed to make sure that older people, disabled people and those with limited resources have access to appropriate medical care.

Medicare

Medicare is a health insurance program available primarily to seniors and is provided by the federal government. Medicare has several parts. Part A pays for hospitalizations and other in-patient services. Part B pays for physicians, lab tests and outpatient services. Part D is Medicare’s prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans are run by private companies that are approved by Medicare and are still part of the Medicare program. Medicare Advantage plans provide all coverage for Part A and Part B, and may offer additional benefits as well. Many include Medicare prescription drug coverage, allowing people to get all their Medicare services from one plan. VNS CHOICE Option 5 is a Medicare Advantage plan, which includes both medical services and prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage Special Needs plans, such as VNS CHOICE Medicare Option 1 and Option 2 (HMOs), are special Medicare Advantage plans that provide services to people who meet additional eligibility requirements. VNS CHOICE Medicare Option 1 (HMO) and Option 2 (HMO) are available to people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. Like other VNS CHOICE Medicare plans, these options include prescription drug coverage.

For information about Medicare, including eligibility requirements and coverage, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or visit the Medicare website.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a health insurance program funded by the federal and state governments; in New York, it is administered by New York State Department of Health. Medicaid is available to residents and citizens who meet specific requirements for income, resources or disability.

In general, Medicaid provides comprehensive medical coverage, including skilled nursing care at home or in a facility, and personal care provided by home health aides.

VNS CHOICE has two Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) programs that cover Medicaid services for residents of New York City. VNS CHOICE MLTC benefits are provided by Medicaid. VNS CHOICE MLTC Plus combines the benefits of Medicaid and a Medicare Advantage Special Needs plan.

For information about Medicaid, including eligibility requirements and coverage, residents of New York City may call the Human Resources Administration at 1-718-557-1399 or toll-free at 1-877-472-8411, visit New York State’s Medicaid website, or click here to view The Human Resources Administration's easy-to-read guide on public health insurance.