Medicare is a federal program designed to assist beneficiaries with their health care. Medicare is the primary insurance for persons over 65 and disabled persons under 65. Medicare only covers a portion of the beneficiaries’ costs. Medicare is not designed to pay all the costs. Individuals pay for Medicare out of their paychecks over the course of their work life. There are four (4) parts of Medicare;

Part A – Hospitalization – Basically pays the rental use of the hospital room but there is a deductible for Part A and there can be multiple hospital stays during the year. Part A also, covers 2 pints of blood and has a Hospice benefit.

Part B – Covers doctor visits, therapy types, x-rays, scans and tests. Only pays 80% of costs, leaving the beneficiary to pay for the 20% balance.

Part D – Drug Plans – with a co-pays, a monthly premium and a deductible paid by beneficiary, this private insurance cover the cost of prescription drugs.

Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans – Moves the beneficiary from Medicare to private insurance. This insurance may or may not have a premium (usually a low-premium). These plans have some costs for the beneficiaries for various services provided. May plans have Part D drug plans attached. Each company is contracted with the federal government.

For answers to your questions Call AR SHIIP – 1-800-224-6330