Health Insurance Options For the Elderly
If you are over the age of 65, under 65 but have a specific disability or permanent kidney failure and have been a legal us citizen for at least 5 years, then you are eligible for medicare. Medicare has come as a product of a law passed by Congress in 1965. Since it is a federal program you are required to contribute to medicare through your paychecks during your working years, you will also discover that the guidelines for eligible are similar from state to state.
Medicare is made up 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 – had a standard monthly premium of $96.40 in 2008. This part helps pay for doctors services and outpatient care. It also pays for flu shots and other preventative services.
Medicare offers free enrollment for the first seven months after your 65th birthday. Beneficiaries is the term used to describe those covered by Medicare. Medicare pays for most health care, but not all. It does, however, cover serious medical conditions, that the patient will usually recover from. It does not cover care given at home, or in a nursing facility, for those with recurring disability or longtime illness.
Advantage Plans, provided by medicare, are customized plans to fit medical needs. Some of these plans are covered by private insurance companies and offer prescription programs. Details of the Advantage Plan depend on the certain program chosen and the eligibility of the patient. Advantage Plans are not available in every state.
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. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your birthday. Signing up is simple but you need to be knowledgeable on the different plans and enrollment periods.
Finding health insurance that is suitable for your medical needs can be tough. The best thing to do is obtain numerous health insurance quotes from various companies. For assistance go to www.gohealthinsurance.com.
