Health Insurance Options For the Elderly
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 – This helps to pay for doctors services and outpatient care that is medically necessary. It pays for preventative services like the flu shot and for some services to keep illnesses from worsening. 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.
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.
Signing up for Medicare is very simple, but there are different plans and enrollment periods. 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.
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 log onto www.gohealthinsurance.com.
