Health Beat: Now That You Have Your Medicare Card

By Mark McNease

It finally happened: the great reward for living almost 65 years! I’ll be passing that milestone in October, and I just got my Medicare card in the mail. It was like Christmas in June. The good news is I made it this long, the not-so-good news is … I made it this long. While that means I have fewer days ahead of me than behind me, it also means I’ll soon be able to enjoy healthcare as a Medicare recipient. No more ‘paycheck jobs’ for the sake of having medical coverage. And let’s face it – that’s why I worked for most of the last ten years.

The instructions for what to do once your card arrives can be confusing. There’s Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Part D (prescriptions), and what is called Part C, Medicare Advantage – more on that in a moment. I am opposed to Medicare Advantage because it is not Medicare. It is private insurance that is allowed to bill Medicare for its costs, with the ultimate goal of privatizing Medicare and eventually bankrupting it as a government program. I know, I know … millions of older Americans love their Advantage plans! So much so that half of all Medicare enrollees now have them. But I will not be one of them. I want to make sure Medicare is around for the generations after me, and I trust privatized health insurance as far as I can through the nearest Social Security office. I will be buying a supplemental plan instead, which covers the percentage original Medicare does not. And I’ll be getting prescription drug coverage individually as well. You will need to consider all your options, preferably with someone who can walk you through them and who does not have a vested interest in you taking an Advantage plan. Be aware that your premiums will be deducted from you Social Security if you’re receiving it (I took it at 62). If not, you’ll have to pay them separately.

About Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over the age of 65 and those with certain disabilities. It’s managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and funded through taxes and premiums paid by its members. The program provides coverage for hospital care, doctor visits, mental health services, preventive care, and prescription drugs.

To be eligible for Medicare, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is 65 years old or older. Those under 65 may qualify if they have end-stage renal disease or certain disabilities. In addition, some individuals may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or other state programs based on their income level.

Medicare offers four different parts to provide individuals with comprehensive coverage: Part A covers hospital stays and inpatient care; Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient procedures; Part C is provided through private insurers to give more options; Part D covers prescription drugs;

When individuals enroll in Medicare they generally pay a premium each month depending on which plan they choose. There are also co-pays for certain medical services as well as deductibles that must be met before full coverage begins. Additionally, most beneficiaries will need to purchase supplemental insurance known as Medigap to cover gaps in basic Medicare benefits including co-pays and deductibles.

About Medicare AdvantageMedicare Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare that offers additional benefits, such as dental and vision care. It also includes coverage for prescription drugs, often at a lower cost than traditional Medicare. Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer other options such as gym memberships or other wellness programs. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private health insurance companies but must follow certain regulations set by the federal government.

When deciding whether or not to go with Medicare Advantage instead of traditional Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. While some may find more comprehensive coverage under a Medicare Advantage plan, they may also pay higher out-of-pocket costs when seeking medical care. In addition, those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan must use doctors and hospitals within their network in order to be fully covered.

Ultimately, choosing between traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan depends on individual needs and preferences. As always it is important to research all available options and compare them before making a decision about which type of health insurance coverage is right for you. If you want more comprehensive coverage than what traditional Medicare offers or prefer certain features included in a particular plan, then enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan might be the best choice for you.