Medicare is a program in the United States that assists those who are
age 65 and above with their health care costs. Other condition besides
age may allow a person to qualify for Medicare services. These include
Lou Gehrig's disease, kidney failure, and other disabilities. Medicare
is intended to assist with health care costs; however, usually does not
cover these costs in full. Financing for Medicare comes from payroll
taxes paid by employers and workers. In addition, Social Security check
premiums also help finance Medicare.
The Four Parts of Medicare
Part A: Part A Medicare is hospital insurance that is generally used
when a patient has to stay in the hospital for long periods of time.
Nursing homes and hospice care are generally included in Part A Medicare
coverage. Some or all of the hospital stay will be covered with this
type of Medicare.
Part B: Part B Medicare is medical insurance for the qualified
individual. This comes in play when there are additional coverage’s that
were not taken care of by Part A hospital insurance as well. Doctors'
visits and other services while in the hospital are included in Part B
Medicare, as well as certain supplies.
Part C: Medicare Part C, or Medical Advantage, is a convenient Medicare
plan that combines Part A and B together. If a patient already has Part A
and B, they have the option of choosing to use Medicare Advantage
instead. All health care services will be covered under part C after the
patient chooses a provider.
Part D: Medicare Part D is another vital part of Medicare coverage. This
is the prescription drugs insurance that helps pay for much needed
medications. Many senior citizens and disabled people would not be able
to afford their treatment without this type of insurance.
People who wish to apply for Medicare should contact the Social Security
office approximately 3 months before they turn age 65. Even if one is
not retired or does not plan to retire at age 65, they may still be
eligible for Medicare benefits. Some people such as those who already
receive Social Security benefits will be contacted when it is time to
receive Medicare. Furthermore, these people who are living in the United
States (excluding Puerto Rico) will automatically be enrolled in Part A
and B Medicare. The option to turn down Part B Medicare will be given.
Some prefer to do so to avoid a required premium for Part B Medicare.
After being approved and enrolled in Medicare, the person will be sent a
card to show which part of Medicare they have been approved for; Part
A, B, or both. The card will be color coded according to which plan you
qualified for. This card is very important and should be kept in a very
safe place at all times. Patients should present this card for insurance
purposes at all visits to the physician's office or hospital. For more
information regarding Medicare visit the actual Social Security website
at www.socialsecurity.gov.
