A Brief Explanation Of Medicare For Residents Of Georgia
 |
| St. Francis Hospital 2122 Manchester Expy Columbus, GA 31904 Plus Code: G24Q+7P Columbus, Georgia |
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are in charge of managing the federal health insurance program known as Medicare. While there are a few minor variations from state to state, Medicare is largely the same across the country, thus the coverage received by residents of Georgia will be quite similar to Medicare coverage across the country.
Medicare Is Open To Two Categories Of People
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A covers hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Inpatient medically necessary services and equipment (nursing, semi-private room, prescription medicines, etc.) are generally covered. Hospice care is covered for those with six months or less to live. Services include doctor/nursing, hospice aide, physical/occupational therapy, prescription medicines, and caregiver respite.
Part A doesn't cover nursing home care. Coverage only applies to establishments when eating and bathing aren't the sole services provided.
Eligibility
If you paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years while working, you are automatically enrolled in free Part A coverage at the age of 65. (40 quarters). If your spouse is eligible for Part A coverage without paying a premium, you may be eligible as well.
You may also be eligible for free benefits if you or your spouse receive or are eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement payments. This benefit is provided even if the person requesting coverage's spouse is deceased or divorced. If you do not meet the work criteria, you can still enroll in Part A, but you must pay a monthly premium.
If you are under the age of 65, you may be eligible for Medicare Part A coverage if you meet the following criteria:
You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or permanent kidney failure that necessitates ongoing dialysis or a transplant.
You receive disability benefits because you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease).
You are the child or widow(er) of someone who worked in a government job long enough to pay Medicare taxes and you meet Social Security disability program requirements
After receiving either of these disability benefits for a total of 24 months, you are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. These months do not have to be in any particular order.
Enrollment
In Georgia, if you already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you'll usually obtain Part A and Part B coverage on your 65th birthday. If you're under 65 and handicapped, you get Part A and Part B after 24 months of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
In all circumstances, you'll get a Welcome to Medicare packet including your card and information about Medicare. If you don't satisfy these standards, you can enroll in Medicare during your IEP (IEP). IEP is the 7-month period starting 3 months before your 65th birthday and ending 3 months after.
After your IEP finishes, you can enroll in Parts A and B during a Special Enrollment Period. You can also enroll during the Medicare General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), but you may pay more and have your coverage delayed.
Costs
If you are eligible, Medicare Part A coverage is provided at no cost to you, with the exception of hospital deductibles. Those who do not meet the criteria for no-cost Part A coverage may nonetheless enroll and pay a premium under the following conditions:
You are at least 65 years old.
You have or are in the process of obtaining Medicare Part B coverage.
You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
In order to qualify for Social Security benefits, you need to earn at least 40 credits, and the premium you pay will change based on how close you are to that threshold.
If you sign up for and pay for Medicare Part A, you will almost always have to sign up for and pay for Medicare Part B as well.
Upcoming Article: Understanding Medicare Part B, C, and D.
Speaking with a true Medicare health insurance specialist will be the best way to sum up all the information you acquired, and turn it into a smart health plan choice. When it comes to choosing the right health care plan, knowledge and expertise are an irreplaceable necessity.
A good insurance broker can help you with all aspects of the health insurance plan purchasing process. Because their expert assistance is normally free, getting assistance from a licensed Medicare insurance professional is a smart, sensible step in any insurance purchasing decision.
Interesting Fact: If you think that cataract surgery is too complex and delicate a sugery to have even been considered in ancient times, you are mistaken. In the 6th century BC, Sushruta of India documented the standard cataract surgical procedure called couching. This involves poking a sharp or blunt instrument into the eye to dislodge the cataract, where it falls into the eye's anterior chamber, out of the patient's line of vision.
We provide instant health insurance quotes, comparisons, and plan benefit details from the top health insurance carriers. Our services are free. (941) 716-2597
Choosing a health insurance plan is not something to take "lightly". We can help.We understand how difficult it can be to choose the best plan for you and your family's needs. Plan benefits, physician networks, deductibles, Rx coverage, and other components of a health insurance plan, should all be carefully considered.
Our licensed Medicare insurance professionals are happy to assist in sorting through all of the details in order to acquire a quality, affordable health insurance plan that meets the needs of you and your family. Our services are free. call now. (941) 716-2597