There are many issues to consider before entering the Medicare system. In addition to providing an overview of the Medicare program, this book focuses on moving from personal or employer coverage to Medicare coverage.
This short treatise is the accompanying text for a course on the basics of the Medicare System. It is designed and intended to provide you with a better understanding of Medicare - how it functions and the various components that make up the system. More than that, the purpose and goal is to keep it relatively brief, yet fairly comprehensive, and hopefully easy to understand. This treatise will not make you an expert on the subject of Medicare, but it will provide you with an effective overview of the topic and a functional foundation upon which you can later expand your knowledge of the Medicare system.
Topics include:
- What is Medicare?
- Who is eligible?
- How and when do you enroll?
- What do the current parts cover?
- Will I need additional insurance coverage for things Medicare does not cover?
- How do I integrate Medicare coverage with private insurance products?
- How will my choices affect my spouse or dependents?
Summary of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is Medicare?
- Medicare Coverage
- Medicare’s Components
- Enrolling in Medicare
- Cost Sharing
- In-Patient Hospital Care
- Part A Benefit Period
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care
- Hospice Care under Medicare Part A
- Hospital Inpatient vs. Outpatient Status
- The Effects of Outpatient Status
- Medicare Part B Premiums
- Medicare Part B Deductible
- Enhancing Basic Medicare Coverage
- Medigaps
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- Medicare Part D
- Medicare Part B Drugs
- Integrating Medicare and Medicaid Coverage
- Pennsylvania’s Dual Eligibles
- Dual-Eligible Coverage – Medicare’s Part
- Dual-Eligible Coverage – Medicaid’s Part
- Community HealthChoices
- Dual-Eligible Coverage – Prescription Drug Assistance
- Appendix: Transitioning into Medicare (slides)