Medicare is something many of us have heard of. It is a type of government run health insurance, and it has four separate parts. While most of us have heard of Medicare, not everyone understands exactly what it is, and who it will help.
Medicare can be used by people who are age 65 or older. It can also be used by people of any age who have certain disabilities, and for people who have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This means that the person has had permanent kidney failure and requires the use of a dialysis machine, or is in need of a kidney transplant.
To enroll in Medicare, you actually have to start by contacting the Social Security office. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits before you have turned age 65 you will automatically be enrolled into Medicare Part A and Part B. Your Medicare card will arrive to you in the mail a few months before you turn 65. If not, then you need to go enroll in Medicare yourself, by signing up for both retirement benefits and Medicare at the same time. You can enroll online. Most of the people who can use Medicare are senior citizens. If you are not eligible for Social Security benefits, you will not be eligible for Medicare.
Each part of Medicare covers specific kinds of health care and services. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers inpatient care in hospitals, and care from a skilled nursing facility (including hospice, and home health care services). Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It covers doctor visits, and outpatient care, and preventive services. It usually pays for 80% of Medicare approved covered services.
Medicare Part C is about Medicare Advantage Plans. This is offered through private insurance companies who contract with Medicare. It includes Medicare Parts A and B, and will also cover some things that Medicare itself does not cover. It does not cover prescription drugs. Medicare Part D is a prescription drug coverage. This is run by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. It helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. How much it costs, and the specific drugs it covers can vary from one plan to another.
People who are disabled, of any age, may be eligible for Medicare. Workers who are receiving worker’s disability benefits might also qualify for Medicare. This is a very basic explanation of how Medicare works, and who it will and will not cover.