Medicare

What is Medicare? Who qualifies?
Medicare is the government financed health insurance program for seniors and others receiving Social Security benefits. All persons aged 65 and over are eligible for Social Security benefits, and disabled persons who have received Social Security for 24 months are eligible for Medicare. Individuals who have Lou Gehrig's disease can receive Medicare immediately upon approval of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

How does Medicare work?
Medicare has four parts that cover different health care aspects.
Part A pays for hospital stays and other related services like home care, and is free to individuals entitled to Social Security (individuals not entitled to Social Security can purchase Part A coverage for $441 per month in 2013). The deductible for 2013 is $1,184 per 60-day benefit period.
Part B pays for doctor's visits and related costs, and premiums are means-tested, so can range from $104.90 to $335.70 per month in 2013. The deductible is $147 in 2013.
Part C is Medicare Advantage, a program where individuals can opt to receive the same benefits as Part A and B and possibly additional benefits through private companies. These can be various types of insurance, including HMOs, PPOs, SNPs, PFFS or PACE. Subscribers must continue to pay the Part B premium, and possibly an extra premium for Advantage plans.
Part D is Medicare's prescription drug coverage, which can be offered through a Medicare Advantage plan or through a stand-alone plan. Premiums are variable, though assistance is available with premiums and deductibles for low-income persons. Individuals who do not enroll in a Part D plan when eligible will be subject to the Late Enrollment Penalty on premiums should they later sign up for Part D coverage.

Additional coverage is available in the form of Medicare Supplemental Insurance (also known as Medigap policies). These are plans offered by private companies to provide additional benefits including original Medicare deductible and coinsurance coverage, and other benefits. These plans are standardized into Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. The factors in choosing supplemental insurance may then largely rely on cost and reputation of the company.

For more in depth information on Medicare topics, please select from the list below. Counselors are available at 303-333-3482 to help with education, enrollment, problems and appeals.You may also find helpful information at Medicare's official site, at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), or from Colorado's Senior Health Insurance assistance Program (SHIP).