Understanding Medicare Need-to-Know Information for Navigating Your Federal Healthcare Options
The federal health insurance program Medicare is complicated but not impossible to understand. The program does have numerous parts and add-ons and the details of your selected policy can change from year to year, as can the premium. Medicare itself offers comprehensive information at Medicare.gov; publications you can download or have mailed to you; toll-free numbers for your questions; and Medicare counselors in a town near you who can walk you through the entire process by phone. Because this information is subject to change, your best source for information about Medicare is the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. But before you make contact, here’s a quick overview of Medicare – what it is, its parts and how those parts work together or not – so you know what specific questions to ask. The Basics Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 years old or AgingResourcesWNC.com
older. Some people with certain disabilities or diseases qualify for Medicare before they reach 65 years of age. Medicare Parts Medicare is available in four parts – A, B, C and D – each with its own level of services. Additionally there is Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, which is not Medicare but a private policy that works with your Medicare policy to supplement your healthcare costs. Medicare Part A, in general, covers hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and some home-health services. This part is offered through the federal government with no premiums for most American citizens if they or their spouses paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time while working. Medicare Part B pays for medically necessary services, mental health services, physician’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies, 79
