Seniors who have reached the age of sixty-five can apply for Medicare benefits. Once they receive the Social Security information package, individuals can end up with more questions than they started out with. There seems to be a segment of the senior population that believes they will get free medical services for any and all health concerns they have. The benefit structure can be confusing, but what should be clear is that Medicare Part A coverage, while free for most, is very limited.
Individuals who have earned a paycheck for ten years or more, and were working in the United States, are generally eligible for free medical benefits. Even those who were not employed, may qualify by paying a monthly premium. Hospital stays are usually covered, if you are in a facility that accepts the program. While there, you can receive treatment, meals, and medication under the program. If you want personal care items, a television, phone, and private room, you will be expected to pay a portion of the cost out of your pocket.
If you are admitted to a skilled nursing facility for something like rehabilitation after surgery, the program will pay expenses for a limited time. After that time, you will be responsible for a daily co-pay amount, and eventually the program will stop paying altogether. Semi-private rooms, drugs, meals, and special equipment are examples of what is covered.
Most people who move into nursing homes need custodial care. The program does not offer coverage in this circumstance. There is private insurance available that will pay for nursing home care. The cost depends of the kind of policy you buy. If you are without resources and qualify for Medicaid, your expenses may be covered with that program. You will have to find a facility that accepts Medicaid and has available space however.
Part A will pay for some home health care services. These can include occasional skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and language therapy. The patient must be under the care of a doctor who authorizes the services, and the individual must be home bound. The benefits do not include around the clock care, meals brought in, personal care, or housekeeping services.
End of life care, in the form of hospice services, is paid for under Part A. It includes both in-home and inpatient facility care. Skilled nursing care, therapy, medications, equipment, and housekeeping are covered in the benefits. It also pays for grief counseling for the patient and the patient's family.
State and federal governments determine the laws regarding Medicare. Social Security administrators decide what is covered. Claims processors set the rules for medical necessity in local areas. If you don't know whether or not a procedure that has been recommended for you is covered, you can contact your local Medicare office or go online. You can also dispute a rejected claim.
Seniors on fixed incomes often have trouble making ends meet. They need the assistance of government programs in order to receive good medical care. Even limited assistance can make a big difference.
Individuals who have earned a paycheck for ten years or more, and were working in the United States, are generally eligible for free medical benefits. Even those who were not employed, may qualify by paying a monthly premium. Hospital stays are usually covered, if you are in a facility that accepts the program. While there, you can receive treatment, meals, and medication under the program. If you want personal care items, a television, phone, and private room, you will be expected to pay a portion of the cost out of your pocket.
If you are admitted to a skilled nursing facility for something like rehabilitation after surgery, the program will pay expenses for a limited time. After that time, you will be responsible for a daily co-pay amount, and eventually the program will stop paying altogether. Semi-private rooms, drugs, meals, and special equipment are examples of what is covered.
Most people who move into nursing homes need custodial care. The program does not offer coverage in this circumstance. There is private insurance available that will pay for nursing home care. The cost depends of the kind of policy you buy. If you are without resources and qualify for Medicaid, your expenses may be covered with that program. You will have to find a facility that accepts Medicaid and has available space however.
Part A will pay for some home health care services. These can include occasional skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and language therapy. The patient must be under the care of a doctor who authorizes the services, and the individual must be home bound. The benefits do not include around the clock care, meals brought in, personal care, or housekeeping services.
End of life care, in the form of hospice services, is paid for under Part A. It includes both in-home and inpatient facility care. Skilled nursing care, therapy, medications, equipment, and housekeeping are covered in the benefits. It also pays for grief counseling for the patient and the patient's family.
State and federal governments determine the laws regarding Medicare. Social Security administrators decide what is covered. Claims processors set the rules for medical necessity in local areas. If you don't know whether or not a procedure that has been recommended for you is covered, you can contact your local Medicare office or go online. You can also dispute a rejected claim.
Seniors on fixed incomes often have trouble making ends meet. They need the assistance of government programs in order to receive good medical care. Even limited assistance can make a big difference.
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