Medicare

Medicare is a federal government program that provides health care to people over the age of 65, people with disabilities, and people with end-stage kidney disease. It consists of four parts, which we describe below: Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), Part C (Private Health Insurance Advantage Plan) and Part D (Prescription Drug Insurance).

Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B, but it only covers 80% of your health care costs and you have to pay a premium for Part B. You must also be enrolled in Medicare for prescription drug coverage. Part D are called Medicare Advantage plans and Part C are an alternative to original Medicare which are offered by a private company approved by Medicare and can be considered a “package” that includes parts A B D and usually costs 20% of your copay.

Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is cause for consideration, as each has advantages and disadvantages that need to be analyzed before making a decision. These questions may be easier to answer if you understand the benefits of each part of Medicare.

 

Part A

Medicare Part A helps pay for hospital health care, skilled nursing care, nursing home service, and home care.

Part B

Medicare Part B helps pay for the services of doctors and other health care providers, emergencies, home care, durable medical equipment, and preventive services.

Part C

Medicare Part D is provided by private companies that contract with Medicare.

Part D

La Parte D de Medicare es proporcionada por compañías privadas que poseen contrato con Medicare.

HOW TO APPLY FOR MEDICARE?

To apply for Medicare, you must:

Apply for social benefits. By doing this, you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, Original Medicare. Visit your local Social Security office or apply online. Get your Medicare card three months before you turn 65.

Benefits begin on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday. Your initial registration period is 7 months. It starts 3 months before the 65th birthday, and 3 months after the birthday.

To switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can do so during initial enrollment or through Medicare Open Enrollment. The last one is from October 15 to December 7.

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years.

  • If you or your spouse have accumulated 40 credit points after working hard enough. They are, therefore, entitled to receive social benefits.
  • If you or your spouse are government employees or retirees and do not pay Social Security, but paid Medicare taxes on your wages while working.
  • Age: You are 65 years old, excluding the age of your spouse.
  • Qualifying Disability: If you are under the age of 65 and have a qualifying disability.
  • After 24 months of receiving Social Security disability benefits, you are eligible for Medicare.
  • Eligible medical conditions: If you have been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this case, you should ask about the specific requirements for enrolling in Medicare.

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