Final answer:
Medicaid can pay for Medicare Part B premiums for individuals who are dual eligible, meaning they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid due to being low-income. These beneficiaries receive assistance with their Part B premiums, allowing them to access necessary healthcare services.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to whether Medicaid typically pays for Medicare Part B for individuals who qualify. To clarify, Medicare Part B is an optional insurance that covers health-care costs such as physician services, medical tests, and outpatient visits. Those enrolled in Part B pay monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments, while the federal government covers most of the costs.
In contrast, Medicaid is designed for low-income individuals and families, offering a comprehensive set of health benefits. Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by income level, which is set by each state within federal guidelines. When an individual qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, they are considered a dual eligible. In such cases, Medicaid can indeed pay for the Medicare Part B premiums for qualified individuals, thereby working as a payer of last resort.
It's important to note that Medicaid coverage, eligibility, and benefits can vary significantly from one state to another due to differing state regulations. However, as a general rule, for eligible low-income beneficiaries, Medicaid provides assistance with Medicare Part B costs.