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Medicare Insurance for Seniors

As you get older, medical expenses usually become a bigger part of your budget. To help combat this issue, the U.S. government has a program for senior citizens called Medicare. This program helps subsidize the costs of medical care for senior citizens over the age of 65.

  1. Enrolling in Medicare

    • Once you reach the age of 65, you are eligible to receive Medicare benefits. At that point, you will not have to do anything to enroll in Medicare. About three months before you turn 65, you will receive your Medicare card in the mail. Your Medicare coverage will become active on the first day of the month in which you turn 65. This could allow you to obtain coverage a few days before you technically turn 65.

    Medicare and Medicare Advantage

    • When you are eligible for Medicare as a senior citizen, there are two ways to obtain Medicare benefits. You can get original Medicare directly from the government or you can get a Medicare Advantage plan. A Medicare Advantage plan is a type of insurance plan that is provided by an outside insurance company. It is closely regulated by the government to ensure you receive the proper benefits and that you do not pay too much for coverage.

    Medigap

    • If you choose to obtain Medicare directly from the government, you may find it necessary to purchase an additional Medigap policy. A Medigap policy is a type of supplemental insurance policy that is designed to fill in the gaps that are left in coverage from original Medicare. While Medicare Advantage plans tend to be more comprehensive in nature, original Medicare only provides basic coverage for hospital services or doctor visits. A Medigap policy can help you pay for prescription drugs and other items that are not covered by regular Medicare.

    Medical Service

    • Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you can take your Medicare card with you anytime that you need a medical service provided. When you go to a medical provider that accepts Medicare, the provider will look at your Medicare card, gather your information and file the necessary claims on your behalf. You will not have to file any claims with Medicare directly when you have to go to a medical facility. You will then receive a statement of benefits that tells how much Medicare paid and how much you might owe the provider.

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