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Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B for Seniors

from: Karlie Bestler

Those who have worked for a time in the United States and their spouse are generally eligible for Medicare at the age of 65. If there is a disability involved, one may qualify at a younger age.

A person who is 65, a legal resident of the United States and has been so continuously for 5 years, may be eligible to buy into Medicare by buying into Part A and also Part B coverage of medicare. The buy-in amount varies and can be determined for you by workers in your local Social Security office.

Even if you are not going to file for Social Security at 65, you should file for Medicare at 65. If you delay filing, it may cost you more money to file later.

Medicare is divided into Part A and Part B coverage.

Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A for seniors is provided free of premiums to those who have worked the necesary number of quarters. Medicare Part A for seniors includes:

*In-patient hospital care for up to 90 days in a benefit period.
A benefit period ends when you've been out of the hospital 60 consecutive days. There is no limit to how many benefit periods you can have.

*There are 60 reserve hospital days that can be used in any benefit period.

*There is a deductible of $840 per hospital stay per benefit perior. The deductible is paid by the patient or by a medigap insurance provider.

*From 61-90 days there is a per day co-pay.

*In-patient care in a participating skilled nursing facility

*Home health care (distinguished from non-medical home help)

*Hospice care

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B for seniors is provided at a premium which most people pay through an automatic deduction from their social security check. Medicare Part B for seniors helps pay for:

*Doctor services.
*Outpatient hospital care.
*Diagnostic tests.
*Durable medical equipment.
*Ambulance services.
*Many other health services and supplies not covered by Medicare Part A.

If you live in a rural area, Medicare regulations enable some reimbursement of home care visits. Your closest Social Security Office can provide details regarding availability in your state.

Supplemental Security Income Program

Some seniors qualify for Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) because of a disability or other exceptional circumstance and low income. Eligibility for maximum payments under SSI are reduced by countable income and assets beyond home ownership. Some states supplement the SSI payment from Medicare when a qualified recipient lives in a care home. SSI recipients may also qualify for additional help such as food stamps or medicaid.

Medicare Hotline

The Medicare Hotline is 1.800.633.4227. They can provide you with:

1. Your Medicare Handbook free of charge. The Medicare Handbook provides explanations about Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage. The Medicare Handbook lists carriers of Medicare Part B coverage by state and explains Part B enrollment procedures. The Medicare Handbook also lists, by state, where to call for information regarding the quality of care in Medicare-certified facilities. There is an application for sending away for additional free publications that deal with Medicare questions relating to specific medical conditions and treatments.

2. A toll free number for your State Counseling Office.

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