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What
Medicare is:
Medicare is the Federal health insurance program that covers individuals
over 65 and some disabled under 65. Medicare is divided into two
parts: Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance
(optional). If you are eligible for social security there is no
monthly premium for part A Medicare. The monthly premium for part
B is automatically deducted from your Social Security check every
month. In 2003 year Part B cost around $60 a month. Learn more about Part D Prescription Benefits here
What Medicare covers:
Medicare pays for some preventive services and covers many services
considered medically necessary. Part A pays for most in-patient
hospital care, some in-patient skilled nursing home care, some
home health care, and hospice care. Part B pays for doctors' services,
out-patient hospital care, out-patient physical and speech therapy,
some home health care, ambulance services, and some medical equipment
and supplies.
What Medicare does not cover:
Basic Medicare won't pay for items like prescription drugs, physicals,
hearing aids, eyeglasses, or long term care. Medicare pays for
less than half of what it costs seniors for health care.
Supplemental Medicare Insurance fills in the gaps of Medicoverage
and is often referred to as Medigap. Find out more about Medigap
plans here.
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Senior
Main Page
Medicare
Overview
(FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions about MediGap
Glossary
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