Medicare Basics

Medicare Part A helps its beneficiaries cover costs for care as an inpatient in hospitals, critical access hospitals (mainly found in rural areas), as well as skilled nursing facilities (excluding custodial or long-term care) or hospice facilities. Some home health care is also included. If you need detailed information about your Part A coverage, you can check the Medicare Coverage database. You are a beneficiary under Medicare Part A, if you have received your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail and HOSPITAL (PART A) is imprinted on your card.

How Can I Enroll In Medicare Part A?

If you already receive Social Security Benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A the month you turn 65. Three months prior to your birth date you typically will have your Medicare card mailed to you.

If you do not receive Social Security Benefits, you will not be automatically enrolled and need to apply. Make sure to apply at the beginning of your initial enrollment period (3 months before your 65th birthday) so the date your coverage begins won’t be delayed. At this time you have also the option to apply for Social Security Benefits.

Do I Have To Pay For Medicare Part A?… Read more

Medicare is the government health care program that provides basic medical insurance to individuals who meet certain criteria. It consists of the parts A through D. While most people will automatically be enrolled in part A and part B when they turn 65 and receive Social Security benefits, the parts C (Medicare advantage plans) and D (prescription drug coverage) are optional.

Medicare Part A is many times referred to as the ‘hospital’ part of Medicare. It covers hospital stays as inpatient, and also some nursing home and home health care as well as hospice care.

The following services are covered by Medicare Part A (specific requirements and copayments, coinsurance and deductibles may apply):

• First 3 units of blood as inpatient
• Hospital stay as an inpatient (up to 90 days, deductible/copayments/coinsurance apply)
• Skilled nursing facility (up to 100 days each benefit period, deductible/copayments/coinsurance apply)
• Home health care (must be medically necessary)
• Hospice services

You are eligible to receive Medicare Part A if you meet certain criteria and are either

• over the age of 65
• disabled and under the age of 65
• or suffer from End Stage Renal disease.

If you receive social security or RRB benefits, your Medicare Part A coverage will automatically start the month you turn 65.… Read more

Determine Your Eligibility For Medicare

You should meet the Medicare eligibility requirements if you can answer yes to one of the following questions:

• Are you age 65 or older?
• Are you under 65 with certain disabilities?
• Do you have End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure that requires transplant or dialysis)?

If you already receive Social Security Benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B the month you turn 65. Three months prior to your birth date you should be receiving your Medicare card in the mail.

If you want to opt out of Part B coverage, you will need to follow the instructions with your Medicare card.

If you not receive Social Security Benefits, you will not be automatically enrolled. You need to apply at the beginning of your seven-month initial enrollment period (90 days prior to your 65th birthday) to make sure your coverage start date will not be delayed. At this time you have also the option to apply for Social Security Benefits.

Whether you are concerned about your costs for medical expenses in the future, or just looking for basic health care coverage, every person on Medicare should know about the different parts Medicare consists of. There is Original Medicare, plus its optional add-ons that may help you cover your medical costs.

Let’s start with Original Medicare. It is available to seniors of 65 years or older. You also qualify for Medicare when you are under 65 and receive social security disability benefits, or have End Stage Renal disease. The Medicare program has 4 parts: Medicare Part A through D.

Medicare Part A provides insurance for every Medicare beneficiary and covers inpatient care including a person’s stay at a hospital, skilled nursing home, mental health facility or hospice, plus some health care services received at home, if they are deemed as medically necessary according to Medicare regulations. It does however not cover doctors’ services while you are in a hospital (they are covered under Part B). There is no premium for Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary medical services as per Medicare requirements, such as doctors services and outpatient care, for example diagnosis, physical therapy and some preventive health care. Medicare Part B is optional and has a monthly premium.… Read more

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. It is a good ‘safety net’, although these plans do not cover everything, and only 80% of charges for covered medical services are paid. Beneficiaries have to share the costs for most medical services they receive with original Medicare including deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. Medicare also does not cover routine dental, hearing and vision. For many persons on Medicare it is difficult to afford the 20% that are not paid by Medicare.

Fortunately, if you want more or better coverage, or put a cap on high medical expenses, there is additional insurance you can add to your original Medicare such as Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Supplemental insurance.

Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits such as prescription drugs, for a premium that may not higher than what you already pay for your plan B premium, while Medicare Supplement plans help you cap costs for copayments, coinsurance and your annual deductibles.

Following are the services that are included in original Medicare:

Medicare Part A Services:

Medicare Part A helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers hospice care and some home health care. You must meet certain conditions, and the services must be approved and rendered by health care providers that are accepted by Medicare.… Read more

So you are turning or just turned 65 and you are new to Medicare? Do you already have all those marketing letters in the mail that want you to enroll in Medicare advantage or Medicare supplement plans? The different Medicare options sure can be confusing, and understanding the differences is crucial, if you want to make sure that you are covered, and don’t have to fear unexpected bills for your doctor’s visits or the medication you need.

Most people when turning 65 are automatically enrolled in Medicare. Your monthly benefits check from the SSA will now include deductions for Medicare Part A and B. But what does ‘Part A’ and ‘Part B’ include? More importantly, is original Medicare sufficient to provide the health care you really need?

Here is a brief introduction that will guide you through the maze of Medicare and help you find your best options.

As you may already know, there are 4 parts to original Medicare: Part A, B, C and D.

Managed by the Government, Part A covers ‘hospital care’ such as your inpatient hospital stay, skilled nursing facility, hospice or some home health care costs.

Medicare Part B is the part that covers your ‘doctor’s visits’, such as outpatient care and some preventative services.… Read more

Medicare is the Government’s health insurance for persons who meet specific criteria. To be eligible for coverage, you must be 65 years or older, disabled, or have severe renal disease. Original Medicare consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical services insurance). For prescription coverage, Part D Medicare drug plans are offered.

Medicare Part A covers many hospital related costs. Inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility are covered. Hospice services and home health services are also covered under Part A. If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years, you are probably eligible for premium-free coverage. If you must purchase Part A coverage, you must also have Part B Medicare and pay premiums on both parts.

For the medical coverage, basic medical needs are paid for. This covers normal medical care, including visits with your physician and outpatient procedures. Certain preventative procedures are also covered, like mammograms. Most people have primary medical coverage through a private company and don’t pay premiums for the hospital coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plans, also called Part C, are also provided by a private company but must be approved to provide Medicare. Through this type, you are provided with access to both medical and hospital coverage, but you have to pay premiums with the company and for the medical coverage.… Read more

Medicare Part B helps pay for doctors’ visits, outpatient hospital care, and some other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover, such as the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health care. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary. Information about your coverage under Medicare Part B can be found in the Medicare Coverage database.

How Do I Enroll In Medicare Part B?

If you already receive Social Security Benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B the month you turn 65. Three months prior to your birth date you should be receiving your Medicare card in the mail.

If you don’t receive Social Security Benefits you need to apply at the beginning of your seven-month initial enrollment period (90 days prior to your 65th birthday) to make sure your coverage start date will not be delayed. Please call or visit your Social Security office to sign up. At this time you have also the option to apply for Social Security Benefits.

What Is The Late Enrollment Penalty For Part B?

If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you are first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare.… Read more

… Read more

Are you approaching retirement and not that familiar with Medicare? You will find these books very helpful in understanding Medicare, Social Security and the financial planning process that needs to be followed to best determine how much to save and how much to withdraw during retirement. Whether you are new to retirement and Medicare or already in the program, you will navigate the system with more ease and confidence, avoid pitfalls and scams, and have plenty of help choosing the plan that is right for you. These books will save you a lot of confusion and help you tremendously getting through all the “red” tape.
Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits	Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage FOR DUMMIES (Volume 1 of 2)
The AARP Retirement Survival Guide: How to Make Smart Financial Decisions in Good Times and Bad	How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won’t Get from Your Financial Advisor

Many senior over the age of 65 benefit from Medicare, although it does not cover 100% of their health care costs.

One of the great things that is included in your Medicare benefits is the preventive Welcome to Medicare Physical Exam. You are invited to take the exam when you first qualify for Medicare. The costs for the exam will be covered to 80% by Medicare if you take it within the first year after you get Medicare Part B. If you have additional Medicare insurance such as Medicare advantage plans, you may – depending on your plan – even be able to lower your share of the fee.

The exam is a one-time review of your health and medical conditions, plus it is meant to educate and counsel persons who are new to Medicare about the offered preventive services, such as certain screenings, flu-shots, or referrals for specific health care services if needed. For some kinds of medical screenings you may only get a referral if they are detected in your Welcome to Medicare Examination. You can see why it is so important that you are aware of the exam and need to get it done.

When you schedule your next doctor’s visit, let your doctor’s office also know that you would like to take your Welcome to Medicare exam.… Read more