This fee-for-service plan is managed by the Federal Government. It allows you to use your card to receive health care. You need to pay an deductible before Medicare kicks in and pays their part. when the deductible is paid Medicare starts paying, you will be responsible for co-pay for any services that are covered by Medicare. Medigap policies, you pay for out of your own pocket may cover these deductibles and prevent you from having to pay.
About three months before your 65th birthday you will receive a card in the mail making it official. It doesn’t mean you are old, just that you are now entitled to Medicare Benefits. Initially you receive a card with Part A indicated on the front. This is hospital costs allowable after deductions. This does not include doctor visits or prescription coverage.
If you choose to enroll in Part B, which is medical coverage, you need to indicate that and send your form in to Social Security. Part B is not free of charge. Currently the fee is close to $100, depending on when you join. If you do not join within the time allotted by Medicare there will be penalty charges applied as well.
If you choose not to get Part B because you are covered by another plan connected to your or your spouse’s employment, no penalties will be charged when you enroll.
Prescription coverage comes with Part D. This too is charged but not by Medicare. You choose a company to provide prescription coverage for you. If you call Medicare, one of their people will guide you through the steps and help you select the best company for your prescription needs and financial abilities. Not all drugs are covered by every company. Learning the co-pay is one of the keys to selecting the correct company.
People with disabilities have the option to obtain Medicare at a younger age. If your disability is permanent you may be eligible. This too must be done by application to Social Security. It is not automatic even if you are receiving disability benefits from Social Security. Under some circumstances Medicare is coupled with Medicaid. Special conditions apply. Your Department of Human Resources can better guide you through this process.
There are also plans called Medicare Advantage Plans. These are options approved by Medicare but are run privately. When part of your Medicare Program, they are sometimes called Part C.
With these Advantage plans, Part C, you may be required to obtain a referral to see specialists. In some plans the co-pay, deductibles and premiums are lower than the original Medicare even when combined with a Medigap policy. Many of these companies also include prescription drug coverage.
Once you become a Medicare recipient, it is advisable to call Social Security or 1-800-MEDICARE to obtain all of the information you will need to make an informed choice. When you call be sure to have your medication list, general health, special conditions or other needs that are unique to you. This is the only way you will receive all of the information you need.