Turning 65? - Priority Partners MCO

Call our Customer Support team for help with your coverage options

Medicaid coverage changes when you turn 65. Let’s talk about what’s next.

Why Coverage Changes

When you turn 65, Medicaid coverage through Priority Partners ends. This is normal. If you qualify for Medicare, you’ll need to choose a Medicare plan to keep your health coverage.

Good News: You May Qualify for Both

Some people can get Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. If that’s you, you may be able to join a special plan called a D-SNP (Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan).

What’s a D-SNP?

D-SNPs Combine:

Medicare Part A (hospital care)
Medicare Part B (doctor visits)
Medicare Part D (prescriptions)
Medicaid (extra benefits for low income)

We’re here to answer your questions about Medicare and what to do when your Medicaid coverage changes. Call 800-654-9728.

D-SNP Benefits to Look For:

$0 monthly premiums
$0 copays for prescriptions
Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
OTC and grocery cards
Transportation to medical visits

Need Help?

Medicare FAQs

Get answers to common Medicare questions.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance from the federal government.
It helps pay for doctor visits, hospital care, and medicine.
Most people get Medicare when they turn 65.
Some younger people with certain disabilities can also get it—like people with kidney failure or ALS.
If you’re already getting Social Security, you’ll be signed up automatically.

How do I sign up?

If you’re already getting Social Security, you’ll be signed up automatically.
You need to sign up yourself if you’re not yet getting Social Security or Railroad benefits when you turn 65 (or earlier). People can sign up when they turn 65
People can sign up when they turn 65
- 3 months before their birthday
- The month of their birthday
- Or 3 months after

Can I get help paying for Medicare?

Yes. Help may be available:
- Extra Help for drug costs (If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help to pay for prescription drug costs)
- Medicare Savings Programs (This program can help pay for some of the costs associated with Medicare, such as premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Eligibility is based on income and resources.) to help pay premiums and other costs.
- Programs like Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) (Helps pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. If you qualify for QMB, you will also automatically qualify for Extra Help with prescription drug costs).
- Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) based on income (Helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums).
To apply or learn more about these programs, you can visit Maryland.gov.

What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a federal program primarily for people 65 and older, or younger individuals with disabilities. It covers hospital, medical, and prescription drug services.
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals, including children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
Eligibility: Medicare is age- or disability-based, while Medicaid is income-based.
Some people qualify for both – this is called “dual eligible” or a DSNP plan.