| Key Tips To Help You Know If You Qualify For Original Medicare Coverage |
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| Written by Max Logan |
| Friday, 13 August 2010 14:59 |
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What is Original Medicare, who qualifies, and more importantly, are you eligible for Medicare coverage?
What is Original Medicare, who qualifies, and more importantly, are you eligible for Medicare coverage? Original Medicare was first passed into law in 1965 and is the federally managed, single payer, health insurance program from for U.S. citizens and naturalized citizens age 65 or over. The program has expanded over the years to include some people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease. Although the Federal Employees Health Benefits program is another government health insurance program that covers Federal employees, Medicare is generally considered the closest example of a single payer health insurance program in the United States. What does Original Medicare coverage include? In short, the program provides a broad range of services through Part A and Part B. Part A helps cover inpatient services such as hospital inpatient stays, skilled nursing facility services, and home health care. Part B is your Medical insurance covering doctor visits, hospital outpatient services and surgery, medical supplies and equipment, and physical therapy. Generally speaking, eligibility is not complicated. If you are a U.S. Citizen or naturalized citizen nearing the age of 65, or disable or have End Stage Renal Disease, you are probably eligible. Eligibility questions can be addressed to the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Enrollment into Medicare Part A and B is automatic if you are receiving Social Security benefits at the time you turn age 65. If you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months, you enrollment is also automatic at the end of the 24 month. Generally speaking, you should receive your red, white and blue Medicare card about 3 months prior to the month of your enrollment. Those of you nearing 65 and still working or simply choosing to put off receiving Social Security benefits will need to apply directly with the Social Security Administration. The time to do this is during the Initial Open Enrollment Period, which begins 3 months before your sixty-fifth birth day, and ends 3 months after the month of the sixty-fifth birthday. To wrap up, Medicare enrollment is done through the Social Security Administration. If you are already receiving Social Security, railroad, civil service, or disability benefits, your enrollment will occur automatically. If not, and you are within 3 months of your 65 birthday, contact the SSA in order to submit an application to begin receiving your benefits. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Get more free Medicare tips and advice. Learn more about Medicare Part D in 2010 and the truth about Medicare Advantage PPO plans. |