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As you get older, it can become harder to care for yourself. Old age impacts the brain, heart, and muscles. Living a normal life costs a lot of money.
Medicare provides for the elderly. But many people don’t know about it. They think its benefits are unlimited, or they think it’s all in one package.
Understand what Medicare offers, and you can take control of your health. Here is a quick guide to Medicare.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a government-run healthcare program. It offers services to people 65 and older. It also helps certain people with disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease.
Medicare has two packages. Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A and B. Medicare Advantage is known as Part C.
Part A is hospital insurance, covering inpatient care. It extends to nursing facilities, hospices, and home services. Most services are free, but other costs are significantly lower than private insurance.
Part B is medical insurance, covering services from doctors. It extends to outpatient care and durable medical equipment, like wheelchairs. Many preventive services are free, including yearly wellness visits.
Original Medicare is not all-inclusive, but it offers many other alternative benefits. For more information, read this guide to Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage is an “all-in-one” package. Individuals buy a Medicare Advantage plan, which includes a local network of doctors.
Medicare Advantage includes drug coverage, which isn’t under Original Medicare. You will need to pay regular premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses.
What Other Plans Are There?
Original Medicare does not pay for copayments and deductibles. If you want to cover these gaps, you can buy Medigap. Medigap offers the same basic benefits, but it extends to areas not under Original Medicare.
Medicare SELECT is a kind of Medigap policy. It provides full benefits, but it requires you to use hospitals within your network. If you don’t use one, you will have to pay a full sum out of pocket.
Long-term care is non-medical care for people who have an illness or disability. If you need help with everyday activities, you receive long-term care. Medicare and most health insurance plans do not cover long-term, custodial care.
If you receive other government healthcare benefits, you can receive Medicare. TRICARE is military health benefits. You do not need a Medicare drug plan, but you should register for Medicare Part B.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides healthcare to Indigenous Americans. Many facilities participate in Medicare, which pays them for the cost of your drugs. Signing up for Medicare is a good idea if you receive IHS services.
Your Ultimate Guide to Medicare
Medicare is one of America’s most popular government programs. Once you have a guide to Medicare, it’s easy to see why so many Americans love it.
Original Medicare offers healthcare services to elderly Americans. It covers hospital visits and doctors’ services. Medicare Advantage includes drug coverage, but it may contain higher prices than Original Medicare.
You will need to pay out-of-pocket for expenses like long-term care. You can buy Medigap policies to cover these services, and you can receive other government services as well.
Get the information you need to maximize your health. Follow our coverage for more information.