A Brief Overview On Medicare And Medicare Supplemental Insurance

There are many confusing elements to Medicare insurance, and it takes a little bit of research and a lot of patience to determine exactly what type of coverage you have, and what type of additional coverage you may end up needing to purchase. This article will give you a brief overview of the type of coverage you receive with Medicare, and a little bit of information surrounding any supplemental plans you may need to purchase.

Eligibility for Medicare

Medicare is a health insurance program implemented by the federal government. It is in place for those who are over the age of 65, as well as younger people who have some type of disability. Medicare coverage is available for people who have kidney failure disease, and are required to be on dialysis or are on a list for a kidney transplant. You do not have to worry about seeking out Medicare sign up, as you will get notification from the government when you become eligible. 

What is Medicare Coverage?

There are a few different parts to Medicare that will cover a variety of different services. 

  • Part A is hospital insurance, and it covers staying in a nursing home, hospice, and hospitals.
  • Part B covers doctor's services such as inpatient and outpatient care, medical necessities and preventive care. 
  • Part C is an advantage plan, which is a plan that is offered by private organizations that provide you with the Part A and the Part B benefits. This can be a confusing part of your coverage, so you need to check with your insurance provider for more information. 
  • Part D is your prescription drug coverage, and this coverage can be a bit complex as well, because this coverage is offered through the advantage plan. 

Medicare Supplemental Plans 

Supplemental insurance policies are sold by private companies and they help pay some of the insurance costs that Medicare does not cover. This includes copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These policies will also offer certain types of service coverage that you can't get under the original Medicare plan, such as care for medical services if you travel outside of the United States. 

When you use a supplemental plan, this plan will pick up payments for services rendered that your Medicare coverage didn't cover. This supplemental insurance is different than the Part C advantage plan, and they cannot work together. Again, talking with your insurance agent is the best way to fully understand the complexity of these types of programs. Contact a company like Senior Care Insurance Services for more information and advice.


Share