Do I Give Up Medicare if I later obtain Medicaid?

[@l.t.w8985]

Tons of primary care do not take Medicaid and especially the BayCare system and what I'm talking about is the primary care doctors so you left with places that have residents and interns from USF Tampa and Gainesville

[@elderneedslaw]

Not many realize that EVERY doctor who takes Medicare must also accept QMB Medicaid (you can have medicare and medicaid to cover co-pays). You may find this article helpful:
www.connecticare.com/providers/resources/news/reminder-do-not-bill-patients-who-are-designated-as-qualified-medicare-beneficiaries-qmbs#:~:text=Federal%20law%20prohibits%20all%20Original,pay%20their%20Medicare%20cost%2Dshares.

[@l.t.w8985]

So many physicians in this state do not take Medicaid. Is very bad because we get stuck with the bottom of the barrel doctors. The medical care here is so horrible in Tampa Bay. Because I lost my DLI I can't have Medicare till I'm 65 as you know

[@elderneedslaw]

It’s helpful to live near a university or major medical center because they all accept medicaid. I agree its more difficult.

[@l.t.w8985]

@@elderneedslaw I go to USF in Tampa and Tampa General and not everyone accepts my insurance. Ortho does not accept Medicaid and it might be because it's only certain ones like I have Sunshine Health so they might not take Sunshine Health Perry Primary Care at USF does not take any Medicaid whatsoever. Believe me I have been doing this for years and trying to get better help and that's when I'm up against. Pulmonary is another one that does not take Medicaid at USF. There are a few that do but most do not.