WHAT IS MEDICARE? HOW DO I APPLY?

With all the talk in the news of Medicare and various political parties addressing the program in different ways, trying to properly understand what is Medicare, what it covers, and who can apply can become confusing. Medicare is a national healthcare program available to those who are disabled and those who are elderly.  In general, someone becomes eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, or if they have been receiving disability checks from Social Security (SSDI) for two years.  In a rarer situation, people with end-stage renal disease or ESRD may also qualify for Medicare.  Usually, you do not need to apply for Medicare; if you are eligible, you will receive an enrollment packet in the mail.  In general, disabled individuals don’t qualify for Medicare until they are at least 20 years old. Medicare has three primary sections.

• Medicare Part A often coves:
  • Hospital care
  • Limited home health services
  • Skilled nursing facility care (although custodial-only care is not covered)
  • Hospice care
•  Medicare Part B often covers:
  •  Most medically necessary doctors’ services
  • Preventative care
  • Durable medical equipment (such as mobility devices or medically necessary items in the home)
  • Outpatient hotel services
  • Lab tests
  • Mental health care
• Medicare Part D covers:
  • Medically necessary and approved outpatient prescription drugs. Unlike Part A and B, drug costs are never paid through the federal government; participants must choose a private insurance company that has contracted with the government.  Which medications are covered by Medicare Part D plans varies wildly; it’s important to use a plan selector such as this one at Medicare.gov to make sure that all of your medications will be covered under the plan you choose.