Important Information Surrounding Medicare Plans and Coverage

Aging happens to everyone.  It is the one truth that is consistent in life.  Along with aging come certain advantages and disadvantages.  However it is looked upon retirement happens around the age of sixty-five.  Some find retirement as nearing the end while others take on the view that their second lives are starting.  With turning sixty-five, in the United States a “gift” is stowed upon requirement meeting individuals in the name of Medicare.

Medicare is a health insurance program established by the US government to assist in payment of proper health care and expenses related to their health.  Not only does it provide health care assistance to those over sixty-five but also those who find themselves retiring early because of a qualifying disability and health condition.  Medicare insurance covers a portion of care while Medicare Supplemental Insurance can be purchased on an individual basis to cover the remaining portions. 

Medicare Supplemental Insurance is not necessary for all individuals.  Medigap as it is often referred to covers gaps within the Medicare policy.  Some individual already carry a secondary insurance that will fill in the voids of Medicare.  This might include people who have extra coverage through an employer or if retired a former employer.  If you opt instead of Medicare to receive Medicare Advantage supplemental insurance is not an option.  This is confusing.  To help clients understand Medicare and the coverage that exists under the plans it is advisable to look into Medicare supplemental insurance comparison charts. 

Many insurance companies offer to explain the different Medigap policies but it is best to find assistance from a company that looks into each situation and explores the options and costs associated through many different insurance agencies.  The coverage is completely regulated by the government so the plans consist of the same coverage the differences will come in service and cost from different insurance agencies.  A company such as Senior Health Direct which is web based can offer assistance and free information on Medicare and Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans.  Another source of information that can be easily accessed through Internet is the Medicare government’s site.

The basic break down of Medicare coverage comes down to two parts; Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.  Part A is often referred to as hospital coverage and Part B is known as medical coverage.  Both of these are provided within the umbrella of Medicare.  The basic coverage states that eighty percent of approved medical costs, doctors and supplies, are covered by Medicare Part A.  Part B provides a specific amount fixed dependent upon the lab service, outpatient treatment and preventatives.  Neither of these base Medicare plans offers prescription coverage. 

Medicare Part D is a piece ofMedicare Supplemental Insurance that can be purchased at an extra expense.  This can be purchase through independent insurance firms.  This is not the only service Medicare does not cover.  It is imperative to look into the different options available within the supplemental programs.  Some of the things that might be needed that are not covered are; long-term care, only medical necessary nursing homes are covered, private duty nurses, dental, health care outside the United States, cosmetic surgery, routine foot care and eye care are all covered under supplemental plans and not traditional Medicare.