Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that provides health care coverage to people aged 65 and over, as well as some younger individuals with certain disabilities and diseases. This program was created in 1965 to help older Americans afford the health care they need. It is a crucial component of the American health care system, providing coverage for a wide range of medical services. This article will explore the specifics of what Medicare covers, the qualifications for Medicare, and where to find Medicare plans.
What does Medicare Cover?
Medicare is divided into four parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Each of these parts covers different types of health care services.
Part A, often referred to as hospital insurance, covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B, also known as medical insurance, covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to original Medicare (Parts A and B) and is offered by private insurance companies. It includes all benefits and services covered under Parts A and B and usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan.
Part D adds prescription drug coverage to original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.
Medicare Qualifications
Eligibility for Medicare is primarily based on age and disability status. Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65. However, younger people with disabilities and those with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are also eligible for Medicare.
It’s important to note that although turning 65 is a primary qualifier for Medicare, you must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident for at least five continuous years. Additionally, you or your spouse must have worked long enough to be eligible for Social Security or railroad retirement benefits — usually having earned 40 credits from about 10 years of work — or you or your spouse is a government employee or retiree who has not paid into Social Security but has paid Medicare payroll taxes.
Where to Find Medicare Plans
Medicare plans can be found through several different sources. The most direct way is through the official U.S. government site for Medicare, www.medicare.gov, which provides comprehensive information about Medicare and allows users to search for and compare Medicare plans.
Another useful tool for finding Medicare plans is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a free and unbiased counseling service that can help you understand your Medicare coverage options and benefits.
Many private insurance companies also offer Medicare plans, particularly Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drug) plans. Websites, such as www.ehealthinsurance.com, allow you to compare plans from different companies to find the one that best fits your needs.
Medicare is a vital program that provides health coverage to millions of older Americans and individuals with certain disabilities. Understanding what Medicare covers, the qualifications for Medicare, and where to find Medicare plans is an essential step in ensuring you receive the health care you need. Despite the complexity of the program, numerous resources are available to help you navigate your Medicare coverage options. By leveraging these resources, you can confidently choose a plan that best suits your health care needs and budget.
