Medicare provides Part A, B, C, and D options. While Medicare coverage probably seems puzzling at times, when you understand the specific details and different options about every plan, you have a better knowledge of coverage and benefits as it specifically applies to you or your family member.
Medicare Part A
Some elderly individuals call Medicare Part A their “hospital insurance.” Medicare covers hospice coverage, short-term stay at a skilled nursing center when ordered by a physician, and hospital care.
Also, Part A offers coverage for home health services that are ordered by nursing home care and a doctor, if custodial care isn’t the only care necessary at the time. It’s vital to factor into decisions concerning senior living and senior care.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B offers various coverage benefits. Coverage involves a yearly wellness visit, laboratory work, and all required X-rays.
Also, Part B covers additional benefits on an outpatient basis. Once your physician orders medical equipment needed to assist you in recovering or maintaining your best level of well-being, your Medicare Part B covers all equipment.
One other essential element of Part B benefits is preventive health service coverage. Medicare Part B covers immunizations for elderly individuals like an annual flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccines.
Additional preventive coverage under Medicare Part B involves counseling services, alcohol abuse screening, screenings for HIV and additional STDs, glaucoma tests, diabetes screenings, and cardiovascular screenings. Medicare Part B coverage additionally involves screening for depression, counseling, and other mental health problems.
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C is a choice for people who want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan rather than obtaining their benefits via Original Medicare. Private businesses provide Medicare Advantage Plans. If you decide to enroll, you still get all of your benefits and coverage that you’d have if you chose Original Medicare.
Some main differences are that you’ll obtain coverage via a Medicare Advantage provider and Medicare offers a “fixed amount” for your care each month.
Even though private organizations providing Medicare Advantage Plans must abide by Medicare regulations, they also can establish certain rules. For instance, you might need to have a referral to visit a specialist. The provider you buy your policy from might possibly charge you a different quantity for out-of-pocket expenses, as compared with out-of-pocket expenses of Original Medicare.
If you pick this option, you can’t also enroll within a Medigap Plan. Medicare especially states, ‘Medigap policies cannot work with a Medicare Advantage Plan.’ If you have a current Medigap plan, it doesn’t cover Medicare Advantage deductibles, co-payments, or premiums.
Medicare Part D
Part D offers coverage for prescription drugs. Once you become qualified for Medicare, you’ll have the choice to pick a Part D prescription program. If you enroll in Part B for the first time within the enrollment period, it’s possible to sign up for your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan starting April 1st through June 30th.
There are additional Part D details about prescription drug coverage available from your senior care and senior living source.