What is Medicare?
For the US citizens aged 65 or above and younger people with permanent disabilities, Medicare is the health insurance program offered by the US federal government. At first, Medicare came into existence for the people of the age group 65 and above in 1965. The senior citizens were able to benefit from the program without any restrictions on their income and medical history. In 1972, congress expanded the program for younger people with disabilities with social security disability insurance (SSDI) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Then in 2001, younger people with Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS were also included in the Medicare program by congress.
The Medicare Program is spread into 4 parts:
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A covers hospital inpatient costs when you are formally admitted to a hospital with a doctor’s order. It provides benefits for services like:
When you are admitted to a hospital by a doctor’s order, Part A covers inpatient cost services like the following are covered:
- Hospice Care
- Blood Transfusions
- Wheelchairs & Walkers
- Home Health Care services
- Skilled Nursing Facilities (if qualify)
*With a written formal inpatient order by the doctor for three or more days. You will be able to qualify for the Skilled Nursing Facilities.
Medicare Part B
Preventive health care and Doctor’s services like tests and annual doctor visits are covered in Part B. The tests and Services Part B includes are:
- Supplies for Diabetics
- Vaccinations for influenza and hepatitis
- Medical Equipment
- Emergency and Ambulance services
- Depression and cancer screening
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
To attain a Medicare Advantage plan you must have coverage of the original Medicare program. Part C is a privately sold coverage plan that includes the same benefits as Part A and B, with the addition of dental, hearing, vision, and prescription drug plans.
Medicare Part D
Medications like injections or Infusion that require supervision by a doctor are covered in Part D. Plan D is optional but most people use it with Plan B to cover their medications that are not included in Plan B.
In the original Medicare plan, the government pays for healthcare directly. However, with the Medicare Advantage Federal government provides funds for private healthcare plans. Medicare Advantage provides additional healthcare coverage as enrolled people can benefit from all the Parts (ABCD) of the original Medicare.