Medicare is the United States government program that provides health insurance to people aged 65 and over, as well as to some younger people who are disabled, and those with permanent kidney failure. This program is funded through payroll deductions.
Medicare is made up of four main parts:
- Part A: Hospital Insurance helps to pay for care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, some home health care, and hospice care.
- Part B: Medical Insurance helps to pay for doctor’s visits as well as other services and supplies not covered by hospital insurance.
- Part C: Medical Advantage, similar to an HMO or PPO, allows participants to receive all of their health care services through a private provider organization approved by Medicare. Participants must have Medicare Part A and Part B to enroll in Medicare Advantage. Some Medical Advantage plans offer additional services such as wellness plans, hearing and vision, as well as prescription drug coverage for an additional fee.
- Part D: Prescription Coverage helps pay for prescription medications.
Most Medicare participants are eligible to receive Part A Hospital Insurance for free. Everyone must pay a premium for the other parts if they want them.
Medicare Eligibility
Generally speaking, U.S. citizens and permanent residents and their spouses are eligible for Medicare if they meet the following requirements:
- Age 65 or older
- Paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years
Some U.S. citizens and permanent residents also may be eligible for Medicare if they are under age 65 and meet the following conditions:
- Have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months
- Are in permanent renal failure (undergoing dialysis or kidney transplant)
- Have Lou Gehrig’s disease
Social Security and Medicare benefits work hand-in-hand and directly affect your financial future. If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits and Medicare, or have questions about the application process, you owe it to yourself to contact a York Social Security disability attorney for assistance.
The personal injury lawyers at Schmidt Kramer welcome you to contact a York disability attorney at our law firm toll-free at (717) 888-8888 for a free case review.
Schmidt Kramer – Est. 1981.