What is
Medicare? Who is eligible?
What does it cover? What are my options to
help me with the expenses that Medicare does not cover?
Medicare is a National Health Insurance Program
created and administered by the federal government in the United States
to address the medical needs of older American citizens. Medicare is
available to U.S. citizens 65 years of age and older and some people
with disabilities under age 65.
Medicare is an entitlement program similar to
Social Security and is not based on financial need. Medicare benefits
are available to all American citizens over the age of 65 because they
or their spouses have paid Social Security taxes through their working
years. Since Medicare is a federal program, the rules for eligibility
remain constant throughout the nation and coverage remains constant
regardless of where an individual receives treatment in the United
States.
Medicare benefits are divided into two different
categories referred to as Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A is hospital
insurance that provides basic coverage for hospital stays and
post-hospital nursing facilities, home health care, and hospice care for
terminally ill patients. Most people automatically receive Part A when
they turn 65 and do not have to pay a premium because they or their
spouse paid Medicare taxes while they were working.
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It covers
most fees associated with basic doctor visits and laboratory testing. It
also pays for some outpatient medical services such as medical
equipment, supplies, and home health care and physical therapy. However,
these services and supplies are only covered by Part B when medically
necessary and prescribed by a doctor. Enrollment in Part B is optional
and the Medicare recipient pays a premium of approximately $110.50 per month
for these added benefits. The amount of the premium is periodically
adjusted. Not every person who receives Medicare Part A enrolls in Part
B.
Although Medicare provides fairly broad coverage of
medical treatment, neither Part A nor B pays for the cost of
prescription drugs or other medications
Medicare is funded solely by the federal government. States do not make
matching contributions to the Medicare fund. Social Security
contributions, monthly premiums paid by program participants, and
general government revenues generate the money used to support the
Medicare program. Insurance coverage provided by Medicare is similar to
that provided by private health insurance carriers. Medicare usually
pays 50–80% of the medical bill, while the recipient pays the remaining
balance for services provided.
You have many different options available to you to
help off set the expenses that Medicare does not cover. Because of this
reason, we ask that you call and speak to one of our Medicare
Specialist. They will be able to find the most affordable and
appropriate plan for you. Most all of our plans are zero (-0-) plan
premiums which mean no additional cost to you.
We invite you to
protect your tomorrow by contacting us today at
407-339-5222 or toll free at 800-865-0001.