Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Commonly Asked Medicare Questions Answered

By Ronald Rogers


If you're getting ready to retire, or even considering it as an option for the future, you are probably interested in how the healthcare aspect of retiring works. While you are still working, you may have insurance through your employer to cover the cost of doctor and hospital visits. Once you retire you may be forced to depend on government programs to cover those costs. Everybody wants Medicare questions answered. Some of the most frequently asked questions are listed below.

Everyone wants to know if they qualify for the healthcare plans. After you reach sixty-five and have worked for ten years or more for employers whose companies were covered, you can receive the benefits. You must be a U. S. Citizen. If you were approved for Social Security at sixty-two, you will be enrolled in the program once you reach sixty-five. The benefits are available to those receiving disability after two years. The age restriction does not apply if you are receiving disability benefits.

People ask what they have to do to prepare to receive benefits. When you are sixty-five, and have worked at least ten years, the process is pretty much automated. You will receive a card for Part A and B about three months before your birthday. Part A is free. Part B is not. If you don't want Part B, you will have to contact the agency and let them know. Coverage starts the month you turn sixty-five.

Not everybody understands how Medicare differs from Medicaid. Medicare is offered to American seniors who worked and paid FICA taxes for at least ten years. Medicaid is for those who are below a certain income level and can't afford healthcare. The state, and the federal government, fund it. Each state has specific eligibility standards people must meet to get the subsidy.

Most seniors are aware the program will not cover all healthcare issues. Most are confused about what qualifies and what doesn't. The plans don't include hearing aids, vision or dental care, routine orthopedic care, or custodial care. It doesn't cover acupuncture or cosmetic surgery. It doesn't pay for dentures.

Alzheimer's care is covered as a medical necessity under the program. If will pay for a portion of psychological and physical care. Most aspects of hospice care are covered under the program. The benefits cover wellness checks, bone density tests, alcohol counseling, flu shots, cardiovascular disease screening, mammograms, and prostate cancer screenings.

Seniors can be anxious about which doctors accept patients who rely on this program. Almost all doctors see patients who have the fee-for-service benefits. There are some doctors who choose to opt out of treating patients who rely on Part B. To opt out they have to file paperwork with the government. These doctors tend to be specialists who will only treat patients on a private pay basis.

Retiring has benefits and drawbacks. You need to know what the healthcare program is once you retire. The best idea for those with questions and concerns is to call the toll free numbers provided by the government and discuss your issues with a specialist.




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