Medicare is our nation's health insurance program for people aged 65 and over. Certain people under the age of 65 may also qualify for Medicare, including people with disabilities and those with permanent kidney failure.
The program helps with the cost of medical care, but does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. You have options on how to get Medicare coverage. If you choose to have Original Medicare coverage (Part A and Part B), you can buy a Medicare supplementary insurance policy (Medigap) from a private insurance company.
PARTS OF MEDICARE
Social Security enrolls it in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for medical care in a hospital or for a limited time in a specialized nursing institution (after a stay in the hospital). Part A also pays for some health care at home and care for the terminally ill.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for the services of doctors and other health service providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment and some preventive services.
Other parts of Medicare are managed by private insurance companies that follow the rules established by Medicare. Supplementary policies (Medigap) help pay Medicare co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles. The Medicare Advantage plan (formerly known as Part C) includes all benefits and services covered by Part A and Part B: prescription drugs and additional benefits such as vision, hearing and dental care, grouped into a single plan. Medicare Part D (Dri Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the costs of prescription drugs.
Most people 65 years of age or older are entitled to free hospital health insurance (Part A) if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough. You can enroll in Medicare health insurance (Part B) by paying a monthly premium. Some beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay a higher monthly premium of Part B. The government demands that you have insurance. You have 7 months to register, three months before, the month of your birthday and three months after your 65th birthday, however, you can always register or make changes to your current plan during the ANNUAL MEDICARE REGISTRATION PERIOD: Annually from October 15 to December 7. Don't wait, it's about your health!
For more information, contact a Medicare agent who can advise you in person or visit: www.medicare.gov
1-800-MEDICARE.