Medicare is a social insurance program of the United States that covers those who
are 65 years old and above and younger individuals who are disabled or have permanent kidney failure. This insurance program pays for much of their healthcare expenses.
There are medical conditions that are not covered by this program, particularly those patients whose medical care is given at home. Those who are suffering from chronic disabilities are also not covered by the Medicare program. Though there are pending bills in the US Congress that aim to expand the healthcare coverage, no action has been made so far.
Medicare benefits are classified into four parts. Part A, which is premium-free for most people, is intended for patients in the hospital. This is commonly called the hospital insurance precisely because it is intended for inpatients. Medicare part B or medical insurance covers outpatient services including doctors professional fees. It covers some preventive services as well. Beneficiaries pay a monthly premium for this part of Medicare.
Part C or Medicare advantage is technically a privatized Medicare option. It welcomes private health insurance plans to Medicare beneficiaries. It requires monthly premium payments, but permits additional benefits such as vision and dental care. Patients who have Medicare advantage plan are advised not to buy Medicare supplement plans because these plans will only supplement Medicare parts A & B and not the Medicare advantage plan.
Medicare Part D helps beneficiaries in the cost of their medications. Beneficiaries of this policy have to be watchful of the changes in the market price of their medicine because there are prescription drugs that change in price due to packaging or reformulation. Any changes in price will have an impact on the beneficiary because the cost covered for medications will remain the same. Medicare supplement plans do not cover Medicare part D, so the only way to increase the coverage for prescription drug is to increase the monthly premium.
Senior citizens are covered under the original Medicare plan. However, since there are medical services that are not included in the plan, they may opt to buy Medicare supplement plans to cover part of the expenses which are not covered by the original plan. This supplemental insurance policy is a great help in covering for the excess charges.