Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States primarily designed for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities or specific medical conditions. It consists of different parts that cover various healthcare services.
Examples of Medicare Parts:
- Part A: Hospital insurance that covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B: Medical insurance that covers outpatient care, preventive services, and some doctor services.
- Part C: Also known as Medicare Advantage, this is a bundled plan that includes Part A, Part B, and usually Part D, provided by private insurance companies.
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage that helps cover the cost of medications.
Cases:
- A 70-year-old retiree who is hospitalized for surgery would have her costs covered under Medicare Part A.
- A 66-year-old woman receiving routine Check-ups and preventive screenings uses Medicare Part B for her doctor’s visits.
- A 64-year-old man with a disability qualifies for Medicare after receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months.
- A senior citizen enrolls in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) to receive both medical and prescription coverage under one plan.