Also I'd suggest that you also read up on what Medicaid is as well. AND most importantly how MediCARE and MedicAID are different and how they often work in tandem for care (like in a NH).
Long term health care is very very expensive - NH can easily cost over $ 100,000 a year. It's pretty important that you are clear in how it can get paid for or in what the government will not pay for.
Dear Pumpkin - This is a huge topic to try to answer in this forum - that's why "Flyer" suggested that you review an article.
Medicare is a gov't funded medical coverage. Most people become eligible at age 65 and are automatically put on Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (doctor's visits, labs, etc). You may disenroll from Part B (within a certain time period) but must have Part A. Part D (prescription coverage) is optional, BUT if you don't sign up for it initially, you may have to pay a higher rate should you decide to enroll later in life.
Medicare doesn't cover 100% of everything and the providers you see should accept M/C reimbursement or you'll end up paying the bill. There are several options:
1) Original Medicare: You choose your own doctor and pretty much self-direct your care. There are several different plans/coverages to choose from, but not all approved plans are offered in all states.
2) Medicare Advantage/HMO (aka Part C): The monthly premiums are less, but the PCP directs the care and must be contracted with whichever entity administers the plan (ie) Blue Shield
Then there are supplemental plans to Medicare that can be purchased to cover the Deductibles and co-pays that aren't covered under Medicare (ie) there is an annual $1260 deductible (out-of-pocket) for hospitalization that M/C asks you to pay, but if you have a Supplemental plan, the bill gets forwarded to them for payment.
If you're caring for someone with Medicare, I suggest you get the "Medicare & You 2015" booklet. They re-issue it every year. It was my bible while caring for my mom until I became eligible myself :) You can call them at 1-800-633-4227 to request one or download the pdf version from the website. I like the hard copy - I took it everywhere and wrote notes in it. It also covers the different plans, explanations, etc.
This website, Aging Care, has a lot of excellent articles.... I found a section on Medicare that I hope will answer your question. https://www.agingcare.com/Medicare-Medicaid
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Long term health care is very very expensive - NH can easily cost over $ 100,000 a year. It's pretty important that you are clear in how it can get paid for or in what the government will not pay for.
Medicare is a gov't funded medical coverage. Most people become eligible at age 65 and are automatically put on Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (doctor's visits, labs, etc). You may disenroll from Part B (within a certain time period) but must have Part A. Part D (prescription coverage) is optional, BUT if you don't sign up for it initially, you may have to pay a higher rate should you decide to enroll later in life.
Medicare doesn't cover 100% of everything and the providers you see should accept M/C reimbursement or you'll end up paying the bill. There are several options:
1) Original Medicare: You choose your own doctor and pretty much self-direct your care. There are several different plans/coverages to choose from, but not all approved plans are offered in all states.
2) Medicare Advantage/HMO (aka Part C): The monthly premiums are less, but the PCP directs the care and must be contracted with whichever entity administers the plan (ie) Blue Shield
Then there are supplemental plans to Medicare that can be purchased to cover the Deductibles and co-pays that aren't covered under Medicare (ie) there is an annual $1260 deductible (out-of-pocket) for hospitalization that M/C asks you to pay, but if you have a Supplemental plan, the bill gets forwarded to them for payment.
If you're caring for someone with Medicare, I suggest you get the "Medicare & You 2015" booklet. They re-issue it every year. It was my bible while caring for my mom until I became eligible myself :) You can call them at 1-800-633-4227 to request one or download the pdf version from the website. I like the hard copy - I took it everywhere and wrote notes in it. It also covers the different plans, explanations, etc.
https://www.medicare.gov/library/pdfnavigation/pdfinterim.asp?Language=English&Type=Pub&PubID=10050
Hope that helps.
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