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Medicare Eligibility and Coverage

Medicare is an iconic national health care program for U.S. seniors, started in 1965 with the Social Security Act. The program provides medical coverage and provides incentives to Medicare beneficiaries to maintain or purchase their own health insurance. Medicare is jointly run by the federal government and the states. Medicare helps make medical care more affordable for senior citizens by covering the costs of medical care. There are six parts to Medicare: Parts A, B, C, D, and E. Parts A and B cover the normal medical benefits; Parts C and D provide disability, hospitalization, critical illness, and outpatient care; and Parts E provides extended health care benefits like prescription drugs, behavioral health, and health management. Medicare supplement insurance is available for additional coverage of special needs.

Medicare benefits are available to people age 65 and above who have certain disabling conditions. Medicare does not cover dental care, certain disability, or hospitalization. Medicare does cover some inpatient services, such as hospital stays, but these are covered by Part B, so people need to get Medicare supplemental insurance to cover these additional charges.
Medicare helps pay for some of the costs of extended hospital stays, critical illness, and specialized health care for people with disabilities. Certain disability providers and nursing agencies are paid directly by the government for the costs of providing the service. Medicare part A and B also provide coverage for certain health disorders, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and end stage renal disease.
Medicare Part D is the primary Medicare prescription drug plan. This plan is partially funded by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The additional Medicare Part D insurance premiums help cover expenses that Medicare does not cover. The following are different parts of the Medicare Part D program:
The difference between Medicare Parts A and B is the Part D prescription drug coverage. With the added coverage comes higher monthly premium payments. People who are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B can choose to go with a private health insurance provider or participate in the Medicare Part D plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you cannot participate in the Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B. Private health insurance plans do not cover Medicare Part C.
If you are currently covered with Medicare but would like to get services covered under Medicare Parts A or B, you may be able to change your coverage. To find out more about getting services covered under Medicare and how to handle premium expenses, call an independent Medicare advisor. There are many options for individuals who want to change their health coverage. Learn more about Medicare part b (medical insurance).