Hospital

The Healthy Aging Series is designed to help individuals who want to live healthy and active lives in their later years. Although genetics and environmental conditions impact longevity, diet, exercise and healthy habits play a significant role as well.

The Healthy Aging Series describes the risk factors, prevention strategies and screening tools that can be used to reduce the likelihood of chronic disease. Tests and other examinations that are used by health professionals to make a definitive diagnosis are discussed, as well as critical questions to ask the physician to ensure that proper disease management can be practiced. Links to interactive tools are identified to prevent or manage chronic disease. Tips to prevent and manage chronic disease are outlined. Resources and voluntary health organizations are identified to provide more detailed information.

What are Medicare Advantage Plans?
Though it is a different 'part' of Medicare, Part C or Medicare Advantage is a method for beneficiaries to receive their standard Medicare benefits (Parts A and B) through a private carrier, possibly with additional benefits and/or costs. The federal government pays each Advantage plan a monthly amount to provide the same care as Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits as well.

There are seven types of Medicare Advantage Plans available in Colorado. Each operates differently in terms of networks, coverage and cost.

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.

What do we mean by 'Original' Medicare?
Medicare Parts A and B, together often colloquially known as Original Medicare or Straight Medicare, are the direct government insurance most people think of when they think of Medicare. Together they provide hospitalization and medical services coverage, including doctor's visits, screenings, emergency room care, surgery, medical supplies and equipment, home care, skilled nursing care, hospital inpatient costs and hospice care.

Who is eligible and how much does it cost?
For Parts A and B, anyone 65 and older who is entitled to Social Security is eligible (those who are disabled and have been on Social Security for 24 months are also eligible). Those not eligible for Part A (meaning those individuals or spouses who have not paid into Social Security for at least 40 quarters) can buy-in to Part A (in 2013) for $243 a month (for those with 30-39 quarters) or $441 a month for all others in.