What you need to know about Medicare

Recently, I have been doing more research on medical insurances and in particular Medicare. As I was assisting my parents and grandmother with this process, we have to come to realize that it can be quite daunting. This is a general overview of information summarized from Medicare Webpage as well as additional resources that have helped my family and I navigate through this process.

Eligibility Criteria (one of the following):

• 65 or older

• People under age 65 with certain disabilities

• People of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease

You can use this Medicare Eligibility Tool to receive specific information about Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment.

Medicare has two main parts

• Part A (Hospital Insurance-inpatient, critical access hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, some home health care)

• Part B (Medical Insurance- outpatient, doctor’s visits)- Click here for Part B monthly premiums for 2008.
  You can choose to enroll in part B by contacting Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit/call local social security office to sign up

Plan Choices

• The Original Medicare Plan

  fee-for-service plan that covers most, but not all of the health care services and drugs. There are costs like co-insurance, copayments, and deductibles. An option to cover these gaps is to purchase Medigap policy and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

• Medicare Advantage Plans

  health plan options that are part of Medicare, which include HMO’s, PPO’s, Private Fee-for-service plans, and Medicare Special Needs Plans. Generally, there are extra benefits and lower copayments.

• Medicare Prescription Drug plans

  you can find and compare plans that cover drugs through the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder

Can compare Medicare plans options through this site .

Applying for Medicare:

• Medicare Webpage or calling 1-800-633-4277

Further Assistance:

• Medicare helpline: 1-800-633-4277

• Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy (HICAP) : 1-800-434-0222