MEDICARE INFORMATION

Covers inpatient hospital & related institutional costs (i.e. skilled nursing facility, home health care, and hospice).
Financed through a payroll tax on employers, employees and self-employed persons.
Usually provided premium free when eligible individuals sign up for coverage at age 65.
Generally premium free, if individual or their spouse worked 10 or more years.
Individuals under age 65 may qualify for Medicare if they have a disability or chronic kidney disease. In some circumstances, this coverage may be premium free.

Part B - Medical Insurance Program

Covers physician and other outpatient health services (i.e. supplies, outpatient therapies, durable medical equipment, some preventive care such as certain immunizations and mammograms, lab and x-ray).
Paid for by monthly premiums from those enrolled in Part B benefits and from the general revenues of the federal government. Premium is generally deducted from the beneficiary’s monthly social security check.
Eligibility based on same work credits as for Part A.

If a person does not have enough work credits, they may purchase Medicare Parts A and B by paying monthly premiums.

Common Medicare exclusions:

Eye exams, eyeglasses
Hearing aids
Dental care/dentures
Routine preventative care physical exams
Custodial care
Most immunizations
Physician charges above Medicare's allowable charge
Care that is not reasonable or medically necessary
Services outside the United States except in limited circumstances in Canada and Mexico

Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage

Provides some coverage for prescription drugs.
Administered by private companies.
Beneficiaries pay a monthly premium for this coverage.

To check your eligibility or apply for Medicare, call Social Security at:

Toll-free 1-800-772-1213

TTY-TDD Hearing & speech impaired 1-800-325-0778

Note: Beneficiaries are responsible for paying premiums, deductibles and coinsurance amounts for Medicare. Refer to your Medicare handbook or go to www.medicare.gov for a specific listing of cost sharing and premium requirements.

For questions about Medicare coverage call:

Toll free 1-800-medicare (1-800-633-4227)

TTY-TDD Hearing & speech impaired 1-877-486-2048