Medicare is a federal plan, which offers health insurance to retired individuals, regardless of medical condition. Any individual who is getting Social Security advantages would automatically be enrolled in Medicare at the age 65 that is the age of eligibility. If you are not getting Social Security advantages prior to age 65, you would be by design enrolled when you apply for benefits at age of 65. If you decide to delay retirement until after age 65, remember to enroll in Medicare at age of 65 anyway, just because your enrollment would not be automatic. Individuals who would be automatically enrolled in Medicare would be further receiving notification by mail from the Social Security Administration, normally several months before your 65th birthday. Most people become qualified for Medicare in age 65 and becoming qualified for Social Security retirement benefits as well. Additionally, you might be qualified if you are disabled or have end-stage renal disease.
Coverage
Medicare coverage consists of two parts–Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Medicare Part C (Medicare+Choice) is a program that allows you to choose among several types of health care plans.
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
Generally recognized as “hospital insurance”, Part A covers services related with inpatient hospital care (i.e., the costs related to an overnight stay in a hospital, skilled nursing facility is provided, or psychiatric hospital, such as charges for the hospital room, meals, and other nursing services). Part A also covers hospice care and other home health care.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
Generally recognized as “medical insurance”, Part B covers few medical cares. Physician care, whether it was received as you were an inpatient at a hospital, at any doctor’s office, or could be an outpatient at a hospital or any other health care facility; is covered under Part B. Other coverages are laboratory tests, and other physical therapy or therapy services, and good ambulance service.
Medicare Part C (Medicare+Choice)
The 1997 Balanced Budget Act extended the types of private health insurance plans, which might provide Medicare benefits to carry medical savings accounts, managed care plans, and other private fee-for-service plans. The new Medicare Part C health care plans are in addition to the fee-for-service options accessible under Medicare Parts A and B.
