You are on page 1of 11

Medicare

What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease

Different Parts of Medicare

Medicare Part A

covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Part B

Different Parts of Medicare

Medicare Part C

is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits. adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare

Medicare Part D

A majority of Medicare patients have traditional Medicare (76% A and/or B) over a Medicare Advantage plan (C/D)

Medicare Part A

Part A covers home health services like intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, continued occupational services, and more. 24-hour-a-day care at home Meals delivered to your home

Medicare doesn't pay for:


Homemaker services
Personal care

Medicare Part B
The types of preventative services granted by part B include: Prostate cancer screenings, diabetes screenings and self-management training, flu shots, Hepatitis B vaccine, HIV screenings, obesity counseling/training, and even depression services.

Factors that affect Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs

Whether or not you have Part A and/or Part B. Most persons have both. The type of health care you need and how often you need it.

Whether your doctor, other health care provider, or supplier accepts assignment. Whether you choose to get services or supplies Medicare doesn't cover

Whether you have other health insurance that works with Medicare.

Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare

is an insurance program. Medical bills are paid from trust funds which those covered have paid into. It serves people over 65 primarily, whatever their income; and serves younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Medicare is a federal program.

Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid

Medicaid

is an assistance program. Medical bills are paid from federal, state and local tax funds. It serves low-income people of every age. Patients usually pay no part of costs for covered medical expenses. A small copayment is sometimes required. Medicaid is a federal-state program which means it varies from state to state.

How to Apply For Medicare

You can register online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly/, by phone, or even by visiting your local Social Security office. You can apply even if you aren't ready to retire and delay retirement benefits

Find & compare doctors, plans, hospitals, suppliers, & other providers
At the website below, you can explore and contrast the various hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, dialysis facilities, health and drug plans, as well as where to get covered medical items to ensure you receive the treatment you want.

http://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-andresources/find-doctors-hospitals-andfacilities/quality-care-finder.html

References

http://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-changeplans/decide-how-to-get-medicare/whatsmedicare/what-is-medicare.html http://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly/

http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare.html
http://answers.hhs.gov/questions/3094

You might also like