The Basics of Medicare 3/25/2010
Basic Overview:
Medicare is a series of federal health care programs for people over age 65, people of any age with disabilities, or people with end stage renal disease. Medicare is applied for at your local Social Security office.
Medicare is for:
- People 65 and over
- People of any age who have kidney failure or long term kidney disease
- People who are permanently disabled and can not work
Medicare Parts Defined:
Part A – Hospital Insurance / Inpatient Care (typically, no monthly premium)
Part B – Medical Insurance / Outpatient Care (has monthly premium)
Part C - Managed combo option for both Part A, Part B, and sometimes Part D (has monthly premium)
Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage Plan (has monthly premium)
NOTE: Medicare Part D open enrollment is November 15th through December 31st.
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 to get a list of one-on-one help sites in your area.
Additional Terms Defined:
Extra Help Social Security program that helps to pay for Medicare premiums for low income people who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
Medicaid QMB / SLMB – (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary / Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary) Medicaid programs that help pay for Medicare Part A or B premiums. People who receive both Medicare and Medicaid are often referred to as 'dual eligible'.
SHIP – (State Health Insurance Program) Refer to SHIBA
SHIBA – (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) Provides information, counseling and assistance on Medicare claims, coverage and discrepancies.
Get More Information about Medicare: