Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
As people get older, their health, unfortunately, is bound to deteriorate. That is when they are in the most need of healthcare coverage. Their health can deteriorate due to different factors and events they had to endure during their lifetime, taking a toll on their bodies.
Organs can weaken over time, bones and muscles start to reach their limits, and their bodies cannot handle stress. Old age is when seniors need the most medical care because their bodies can’t fight off diseases anymore. Luckily the government offers senior citizens an opportunity to get affordable health insurance in the form of Medicare.
This health insurance is designed to support the healthcare needs of the elderly, and therefore it is the perfect insurance for them. However, many people aren’t sure how they can get Medicare insurance, and most aren’t even sure what it is exactly. So if you want to know more about Medicare and the enrollment process, then we suggest you read this article.
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What is Medicare, and how is it different from private insurance offered by health insurance companies?
Medicare is a program by the United States federal government, and it is explicitly meant for American citizens, and their age is 65 years or more. However, some younger individuals can also get Medicare based on specific disabilities. The significant difference between private insurance offered by health insurance companies and Medicare lies in the coverage, the way both types of insurance are managed, and the government backing.
How can you get Medicare?
You can enroll in Medicare by following these simple steps:
Step 1. Learning about Medicare plans:
Just like health insurance companies offer different insurance plans, Medicare also comes in other parts. These parts include:
Part A:
That covers inpatient hospital stays, nursing facilities cost, and essential healthcare cost.
Part B:
Covers Medical supplies, doctor visits, and preventative healthcare costs.
Part C:
This part combines the benefit of Part A and B and is offered through private companies.
Part D:
This Medicare part is also offered through private companies, and it provides coverage for prescription drug costs.
Step .2 Learn when you can get Medicare
You can enroll in Medicare during the open enrollment period that begins three months priors to when you are going to turn 65. This period ends three months after the month you turned 65, so you have a total of 7 months to enroll. While you can register after this period has passed, it’s best to do it earlier on.
Step 3. Pick a plan to enroll into
Now that you have gone through the Medicare plans we have listed in the previous section; it is time to use that knowledge to pick a plan. While you can always enroll in Plan A, depending upon the type of coverage you need, you can always register in Part C and get the combined benefits of both Part A and B.
Step 4. Signing up for Medicare
Now that you have chosen the Medicare Plan, it is time to go ahead and sign up for your preferred plan. While you get automatically signed up for Medicare Plan A and B, you will have to contact Medicare in your state manually. However, suppose you are automatically enrolled in Medicare. In that case, your Medicare cards will be mailed to you three months before turning 65 and on the 25th month if you have a disability that makes you eligible for Medicare.
What are Medicare eligibility criteria?
Like private health insurance companies, Medicare also sets specific eligibility criteria; however, they are not as complex as private insurance companies. For more information about Medicare eligibility criteria and whether you qualify for it, we suggest contacting a company such as The Benefit Link.
Read more: What Is Medicare Part A?: A Straightforward Guide
