This one-year grant, which begins this month, is a collaborative effort between DHMH and other public and private sector agencies. The Buy-In Program connects the federal Medicare program with the state Medicaid program for those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Under the program, Medicaid pays for all or part of the Medicare premium, co-pay and deductible amounts for individuals who are financially eligible.
Benefits vary depending on an individual's income and assets.
Other agencies include the Maryland Departments of Aging and Human Resources, local Social Security Administration offices, county area agencies on aging, senior advocacy groups and non-profit organizations. The project will focus on 16 Maryland counties on the Eastern Shore and in southern and western Maryland. It is hoped the project will increase by five percent the number of applications to the Medicare Buy-In program from these rural areas. Project activities will be managed at the local level by four regional outreach coordinators. The coordinators will be responsible for developing partnerships and implementing marketing strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of their communities.