Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare & Medicaid After a Death: What Needs to Be Done and Why It Matters

When a loved one dies, there are a hundred little details that need attention, and health insurance might not be at the top of your list. However, if they are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or both, addressing these programs promptly can prevent future stress, paperwork headaches, or unexpected bills.

Here’s the problem: these are separate systems, and closing them out isn’t automatic in every case. If you skip a step, you could end up dealing with unpaid premiums, delayed estate administration, or even state collection efforts.

What should you do?

Stop Medicare Coverage

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, or for younger individuals with qualifying disabilities.

The good news? Medicare coverage ends automatically when you report the death to the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you’ve already made that call or filed the death certificate with SSA, you don’t need to notify Medicare separately; the information is shared between agencies.

To report a death to Social Security:

• Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
• Or visit your local Social Security office (find yours at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp)

However, if your loved one had private Medicare plans, such as Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D (prescription drug coverage), or Medigap (supplemental insurance), you’ll need to contact each provider directly. These plans are offered by private insurers and do not stop automatically. If no one notifies them, billing may continue and even become a problem for the estate.

Address Medicaid and Estate Recovery

Medicaid is different. It’s a state-run program that provides healthcare for low-income individuals. If your loved one used it, especially for long-term care such as a nursing home or in-home support, the state may attempt to recover those costs after their death.

This is called Medicaid Estate Recovery, and it typically applies if the person was 55 or older and received long-term care services through Medicaid.

After death, the state Medicaid office should be notified. They may contact the executor or heirs with a notice explaining the recovery process. The state may file a claim against the estate, but not all cases are subject to recovery. Exemptions are often available, especially if a surviving spouse lives in the home, a disabled or minor child lives there, or a caregiver child lived with and cared for the deceased.

To contact Medicaid in Louisiana:

• Call 1-888-342-6207
• Or visit https://ldh.la.gov/directory for parish offices and online services

Not sure if Medicaid was involved? Check the mail for statements or contact your state’s Medicaid office. The estate’s executor usually handles this part.

Bottom Line:

• Report the death to Social Security (1-800-772-1213) to stop Medicare.
• Contact private Medicare providers directly to cancel supplemental plans.
• Notify your state Medicaid office (1-888-342-6207 in Louisiana) if your loved one received Medicaid.
• Look out for estate recovery notices and ask about exemptions.

Taking care of this now will protect the estate, and your peace of mind, later.