What Is Medicare?
Medicare is health insurance coverage for those over the age of 65, under the age of 65 with specific disabilities and any person with permanent kidney failure. To be eligible, you must have entered in the United States in a way recognized by law and lived for 5 years. The need for a medical program for seniors became apparent in the 1950s, but it was not until 1965 when Congress passed the laws that created Medicare. Just like Social Security, those individuals contribute to Medicare during the years they work. It is a federal program so guidelines for eligibility and services are very similar in all states.
Medicare is made up of two parts:
Medicare Part A - If you are a patient in a hospital, nursing home or hospice this is the part that helps cover the cost. It also covers care in your home under certain conditions. Because this was paid through taxes, that you paid while working, many do not need to contribute this part.
Medicare Part B - This helps to pay for doctors services and outpatient care that is medically necessary. It pays for preventative services like the flu shot and for some services to keep illnesses from worsening. In 2008, the standard monthly premium was $96.40.
During the first seven months after your 65th birthday, medicare enrollment is free. Individuals covered by medicare as called beneficiaries and will have help paying for most of their medical needs. Medicare does not cover care given at home, or in a nursing facility, for those with recurring disability or longtime illness.
Medicare also provides Advantage Plans, although it is not available in every state. These plans offer prescription programs to the beneficiaries. Specific details depend on the program you choose and your eligibility.
You will receive your Medicare card, in the mail, three months before your birthday. If you are receiving Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you will be enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically the month you turn 65. Signing up for Medicare is simple, as long as you are aware of the different plans and enrollment periods.
Medicare is made up of two parts:
Medicare Part A - If you are a patient in a hospital, nursing home or hospice this is the part that helps cover the cost. It also covers care in your home under certain conditions. Because this was paid through taxes, that you paid while working, many do not need to contribute this part.
Medicare Part B - This helps to pay for doctors services and outpatient care that is medically necessary. It pays for preventative services like the flu shot and for some services to keep illnesses from worsening. In 2008, the standard monthly premium was $96.40.
During the first seven months after your 65th birthday, medicare enrollment is free. Individuals covered by medicare as called beneficiaries and will have help paying for most of their medical needs. Medicare does not cover care given at home, or in a nursing facility, for those with recurring disability or longtime illness.
Medicare also provides Advantage Plans, although it is not available in every state. These plans offer prescription programs to the beneficiaries. Specific details depend on the program you choose and your eligibility.
You will receive your Medicare card, in the mail, three months before your birthday. If you are receiving Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you will be enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically the month you turn 65. Signing up for Medicare is simple, as long as you are aware of the different plans and enrollment periods.
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