Most pensioners receive health coverage through Medicare, the government’s health coverage program for individuals aged 65 and above. To maximize your health plan’s value, enroll at the right time, and make the most of Medicare’s low-cost and free services. Here is what Medicare covers and a guide on how you can register for it without getting penalized.
Understanding What Medicare Is
Medicare is a health coverage program for individuals who are 65 years and above. Medicare helps insure the costs of emergencies and chronic illness; however, it can as well be used to maintain quality health. Medicare receivers must pay premiums and a range of other direct costs and make decisions regarding coverage choices.
How to Register
If you already receive Social Security, you will be automatically registered in Original Medicare (known as Medicare Parts A and B) at age 65. You will get a Medicare card two to three months before you celebrate your 65th birthday, and coverage begins on the first day of the birthday month.
Medicare Part A is about hospitalization and does not typically include premiums, supposing you or your partner paid for Medicare while you work. On the other hand, Medicare Part B is about medical services, and it requires premiums. It also comes with the privilege of withdrawing whenever you opt to.
If you don’t already receive Social Security, you must make an application for Medicare in one of the designated yearly enrollment periods. The first application period is seven months and starts 90 days before the month that you turn 65 years. Consider signing up in the three months before your 65th birthday to avoid a potential coverage shortfall.
Where Do Medicare Parts C and D Play a Role?
Part C, recognized as Medicare Advantage, consists of plans operated by private organizations such as healthcare companies and preferred providers. They provide the benefits of Medicare Parts A and B and regularly include additional benefits such as hearing, vision, and dental coverage. The charges for Part C cover plans vary by insurer. Other plans may need referrals or limit you to specialists who are in-network, and you need to have Medicare Parts A and B to sign up. Some plans might limit their coverage to a specific geographic area; hence, if you plan to travel or relocate a lot, Medicare Advantage may not be right for you.
Medicare Part D provides prescription medicine coverage for both branded and generic drugs. You should be registered in Medicare to join a Part D medical plan, which you buy from a private classified insurer. While premiums, deductibles, and additional payments vary by subscription, the amount charged for prescription medications is presently limited by federal government laws. Before you sign up for Part D, make sure you are already insured for prescription drugs under a Medicare Advantage cover plan. You might not require it. And if you later decide you require additional coverage or need to adjust your existing cover plan, you may do so at the time of your designated Medicare registration periods.
Which Services Are Not Covered by Medicare?
Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) do not cover co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles, or medical treatment when you are outside of the US. Some services, like acupuncture, long-term care, and cosmetic or plastic surgery, are also not covered. A number of these services are possibly covered if you sign up for a Medicare Part C plan, but long-term care isn’t one of them.
As a substitute to Part C, you can supplement Medicare Part A and B with Medicare Supplement Coverage, also recognized as Medigap. The plans that provide this coverage follow exact state and federal standards, and costs differ by insurer and policy. To purchase a Medigap policy, you should be registered in both Medicare Part A and B. To ensure availability, you should enroll in Part B within six months of registering.
Conclusion
For more information, you can visit the official Medicare website, medicare.gov, which provides detailed registration information, the specifications of Parts A, B, C, and D, charges linked with Medicare, fines for not registering, and other vital issues. Make use of the website’s Medicare plan search to order and compare available plans in your area.