Medicare is a federally sponsored health insurance program in the United States that covers adults over age 65 and certain adults under 65 who have disabilities. Here are the key points about Medicare:
Parts of Medicare
- Part A: Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility services, hospice, lab tests, Show Full Answer
Medicare is a federally sponsored health insurance program in the United States that covers adults over age 65 and certain adults under 65 who have disabilities. Here are the key points about Medicare:
Parts of Medicare:
- Part A: Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility services, hospice, lab tests, surgery, and home health care.
- Part B: Covers doctor and other health care provider services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, home health care, and some preventive services.
- Part C: An alternative to Original Medicare, includes private Medicare Advantage plans.
- Part D: Provides limited prescription drug coverage.
Enrollment:
- Automatic Enrollment: If you’re over 65 and receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you will automatically be enrolled in Parts A and B when you turn 65. Similarly, if you are under 65, have a disability, and have received Social Security disability benefits or RRB benefits for at least 24 months, you will automatically be enrolled in Parts A and B.
- Manual Enrollment: If you’re over 65 but do not get benefits from Social Security or RRB, you will need to sign up with Medicare to get Medicare Parts A and B at the Social Security website.
Additional Information:
- Medicare Part D: If you are diagnosed with MS, you will likely want to enroll in a prescription drug coverage plan through Medicare Part D. You can shop for and compare drug plans through the Medicare Plan Finder and enroll through the Medicare site or the plan’s website.
- Medicare and Medicaid: It is possible to receive assistance with covering your health care costs from both Medicaid and Medicare. Medicare is the primary payer, and Medicaid may cover additional costs not covered by Medicare.
Coverage for Durable Medical Equipment (DME):
- Wheelchairs: Covered under Medicare Part B if you have a medical need for a wheelchair, as described in an order written by your doctor after a face-to-face appointment. You must get your wheelchair through a Medicare-approved supplier.
For more detailed information, you can visit the provided resources:
- [Insurance and Financial Resources for People With MS](https://www.mymsteam.com/resources/insurance-an...)
- [Medicare for Multiple Sclerosis: Plans, Eligibility, and More](https://www.mymsteam.com/resources/medicare-for...)
July 25, 2024