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Medicare Options & Plans

All U.S. citizens 65 years of age and older or those with certain disabilities are eligible for Medicare. Patients suffering from end-state renal disease (kidney failure) who require dialysis are also eligible. Those enrolled in the Medicare system must learn the plans and options best suited to their health issues, finances, doctor availability, coverage gaps, and other factors. Take the time to review your own needs and priorities and study plans thoroughly before signing up.

  1. Basic Medicare

    • This original plan divides into two parts. Part A of Medicare covers hospital insurance, and most people age 65 and up do not have to pay monthly for this area of coverage because they or their spouse paid into in during their working years. Part B of Medicare covers doctors fees, outpatient services, limited home health care and certain other services, including preventative care. According to Medicare.gov, the majority of Medicare beneficiaries will pay $96.40 for their Part B premium in 2010 while those who do not have the Social Security Administration withhold their Part B payments will pay $110.50 per month in 2010. Single filers making more than $85,000 or joint filers making more than $170,000 may have to pay higher premiums.

    Medicare Advantage

    • Also referred to as Part C, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies, and these for-profit companies must be approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans vary by state, and include various options. These include the choice of a health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider organization (PPO), medical saving accounts plans, private fee-for-service plans, and plans for special needs patients. Follow all plan rules to make sure coverage is provided. Out-of-network physicians and service providers may not be covered. unless they are emergencies or urgent. Enrollment for most Medicare Advantage programs is for one year, and can only be done at certain times of the year.

    Medicare Part D

    • Medicare Part D is the prescription drug plan, Two types of plans offer coverage for patients' pharmaceuticals. Medicare Prescription Drug Plan adds this coverage to Medicare Part A and B, some Medicare fee-for-service plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Accounts plans. Medicare Part D plans vary, so contact the specific plan you'd like to join.According to the Medicare.com website "To join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, you must have Medicare Part A and/or Part B. To get prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must have Part A and Part B.".

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