Medicare

Medicare

Medicare is a health insurance program offered by the federal government to provide financial coverage for adults who are 65 and older, persons with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease.

The following information details the types of plans available through Medicare and what they offer.

 

Medicare Parts A, B, & D

Part A – Hospital insurance that supplies coverage for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and home health care

Part B – Medical insurance that covers doctor’s visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services

Part D – Prescription drug coverage that also includes shots and vaccinations

 

Premiums: Parts A & B

Part A Premium

If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for a long enough period of time when you or your spouse worked, no monthly premium will be required. If you only paid into Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the monthly premium is $458. If you paid in for 30-39 quarters, the monthly premium is $252.

Part B Premium

As of 2020, the Part B monthly premium is $144.60. If your taxes from two (2) years reflect an income amount higher than a certain specified amount, an additional charge (IRMAA) will be added to your standard premium.

 

Medicare Coverage Plans

Original Medicare

This coverage option includes Plan A & B and only requires that you pay for services when you utilize them. A deductible is paid for services at the beginning of each year. Coinsurance requires that you pay 20% of the cost of service that is approved by Medicare. It is possible to add a drug plan like Plan D to get insurance for prescription drugs as well. For additional aid in covering the entire cost of health care services and supplies, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) can help pay for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. This additional policy also covers international medical services.

Medicare Advantage

This coverage option is an “all-in-one” package of services that includes Part A, B, & D. Advantage plan also covers vision, hearing, dental, and more. This plan charges various out-of-pocket costs and has different rules for how you get services.

 

Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage 

Medicare prescription drug coverage is granted by first joining a Medicare-approved plan that has Plan D as an available option. This plan covers a standard level of coverage, although some drug costs may exceed that threshold. Generic and brand-name drugs are covered. Monthly premiums for drugs plans vary based on the specific plan chosen.

 

Other Forms of Insurance

If you already have another form of medical insurance, Medicare will be an additional form of financial coverage to help pay for your medical-related expenses.

 

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