What is a Medicare program?
Medicare is medical insurance designed for:
- People 65 years of age or older;
- People under the age of 65 with certain types of disabilities;
- People of any age with end-stage kidney disease (chronic renal failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
What are the different parts of the Medicare program?
The original Medicare program includes 4 parts: Part A (hospital expenses insurance) and Part B (medical expenses insurance).
- Part A Medicare (Hospital Insurance) helps cover: inpatient care in hospitals, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice, home health care. Typically, you do not pay a monthly fee for Part A if you or your spouse paid taxes under the Medicare program in the period of disability. This is sometimes called Part A without paying premiums. If you are not entitled to Part A without paying insurance premiums, you can pay Part A at your own expense;
- Part B (Medical Expenditure Insurance) helps cover: doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, DME, many preventative services. Most people pay a standard monthly fee for Part B. Note: The original Medicare program pays for most of the cost of medical services and products. You can buy additional Medicare insurance from a private insurance company to cover other expenses, for example, co-payments, participation in payment for services and deductibles. Additional insurance for Medicare is also called a Medigap policy;
- Part C (Medicare Benefit Plan): includes all benefits and services covered by Parts A and B. Usually, such a plan includes Medicare for prescription drugs (Part D). The plan is offered by private insurance companies that comply with Medicare requirements. The plans have an annual limit in the amount of medical expenses paid at their own expense. They may also include additional benefits and services not covered by the original Medicare plan for an additional fee;
- Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover prescription drug costs. It is offered by private insurance companies. It may help reduce prescription drug costs and protect you from high costs in the future.
Who do you call for Medicare questions?
You can make an appointment with a Social Security representative at your local office by calling 1-800-772-1213. You can also call the company directly at 1-800-633-4227.
Do you need to enroll in Medicare?
Medicare enrollment begins three months before your 65th birthday and continues for 7 months.
What if I am currently receiving Social Security benefits?
In this case, you don’t need to do anything. You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare.
What is the best time to call Medicare?
You’d better call Medicare from Tuesday through Thursday, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
How Much Is Medigap per month?
The average cost for a Medigap Plan F is around $143 a month.
Is there a limit on income and resources?
No, there are no restrictions on income and resources.
Is US citizenship required?
All applicants for Medicare must be either US citizens or eligible residents who have resided continuously in the United States for at least 5 years.
Where can I find detailed information about Medicare?
For more information, visit www.medicare.gov or www.ssa.gov.
What part of Medicare pays for prescriptions?
Medicare Part D helps you pay for both branded and generic drugs.
Does Medicare cover dental services?
Medicare doesn’t cover most dental devices.
Does Medicare cover MRI scans?
Your MRI will typically be covered by Medicare Part B. The cost of your MRI will depend on whether or not you have met your annual Medicare Part B deductible.
How do I get dental and vision coverage with Medicare?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer dental coverage.
Do I need health insurance if I have Medicare?
If you have Medicare Part A, you’re considered covered under the health care law and don’t need separate health insurance.
What is the best company for Medigap insurance?
- Aetna;
- Humana;
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions;
- Cigna;
- Continental Life;
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield;
- Anthem;
- Manhattan Life.