Anyone over the age of 65, under the age of 65 with specific disabilities or with permanent kidney failure, is eligible for medicare. For full eligibility you must be a United States citizen and have live here for, at least, 5 years. In the 1950s a need for a medical program for seniors became apparent. It wasn’t until 1965 that Congress passed the laws that created Medicare. Individuals contribute to Medicare during the years they work, much like social security. It is a federal program therefore guidelines for eligibility and services in all states are the same.
Medicare consists of two parts:
Medicare Part A – Pays for care if you are a patient in a hospital, nursing home, hospice and, under certain conditions, for care in your home. You pay for this through your taxes while you are working so most people do not need to contribute to medicare.
Medicare Part B – Helps to pay for doctors services and outpatient care that is medically necessary. It also pays for preventative services such flu shots. In 2008, the standard monthly premium was $96.40.
During the first seven months after your 65th birthday, medicare enrollment is free. Individuals covered by medicare as called beneficiaries and will have help paying for most of their medical needs. Medicare does not cover care given at home, or in a nursing facility, for those with recurring disability or longtime illness.
Medicare does provide Advantage Plans where the plan can be customized to fit medical needs. This is not available in all areas. Some of these plans offer prescription programs and there are some private insurance companies who cover some of these programs. Details of the Advantage Plan depend on the certain program chosen and the eligibility of the patient.
You will receive your Medicare card, in the mail, three months before your birthday. If you are receiving Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you will be enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically the month you turn 65. Signing up for Medicare is simple, as long as you are aware of the different plans and enrollment periods.
Whether you searching for individual health insurance or medical insurance check out www.gohealthinsurance.com. They have all the information you need to choose an insurance plan that it perfect for you.
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