If you are new to the Medicare program and don’t know where to start, then this guide is for you. In the next section, we’ll inform you of the advantages of medicare and basic information on how it works.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program managed by the CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid). It offers healthcare benefits for many people who are over 65 or have certain disabilities and health issues. While this program might give basic protection against healthcare costs, it will not cover all of your medical expenses or long-term costs for caring.
Different types of Medicare
1. Medicare part A
Medicare Part A or hospital insurance will cover hospital care. Typically, you would start getting Part A when you turn 65 or if your spouse or you paid the Medicare taxes for more than 10 years.
In general, this type of Medicare will cover:
– Inpatient care in the hospital
– Home healthcare services
– Inpatient care in the nursing facility
– Hospice care
2. Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B or medical insurance is an optional coverage which pays for these outpatient medical services that are not covered by Part A. It will cover:
– Specialist or doctor office visits
– Lab costs like X-rays or blood work
– Preventive care like mammograms and flu shots
– Medical equipment like walkers and wheelchairs
– Mental healthcare
– Ambulance services
– Physical therapy
3. Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C or Advantage Plan is the private health insurance plan for those people who enroll in Original Medicare. This type will cover all benefits of part A and part B, along with other services. These include dental, hearing, vision, prescription drug, as well as wellness and health programs.
Medicare Part D basically covers the prescription drugs. You might sign up for this program when you have part B, part A, or both. In most cases, you can get this program through:
– Stand-alone prescription drug plan
– Cost plan of Medicare advantage
In most cases, Medicare is a pay-as-you-go plan, meaning that you can use it with no or little premium. Thus, you might save money monthly compared to a supplement insurance plan. Depending on the treatment or service you require in a visit, a co-pay might be required when a doctor is occasionally seen.
The Medicare program might provide extra coverage, such as dental, hearing, vision, and other wellness programs. In Part D, you can even get drug coverage. This will make sure that you can get the best treatment at lower costs at all times.
In overall, Medicare is often seen as an all-in-one program. You just need to get one card, and it will help you get the benefits of any prescription drugs, hospital, or medical care. This means that you can do everything to keep your fitness and maintain your health with a single car instead of having separate ones for different services.