Medicare is the U.S. federally sponsored health insurance plan for citizens over age 65. Other countries, such as Canada, have similar plans.
Medicare also covers those with certain permanent disabilities as well as those with end-stage diseases such as renal disease in the U.S.
There are 3 parts to the plan now. In basic terms:
- Medicare A covers hospitalizations
- Medicare B covers medical expenses such as doctor visits, home health care, outpatient therapy, laboratory and radiology exams, etc.
- Medicare D covers prescription medications
Medicare also offers several managed care options (known as Medicare Plan C) at lower premiums which combine the 3 parts. In some cases there may be no premiums.
Medi-Gap coverage plans offer supplimental coverage to pay for some deductibles and co-pays. These are available from private insurance plans such as Blue Cross, Aetna, and Blue Shield. Medicaid also has a Medi-Gap coverag for those who meet eligibility criteria.
Read more about Medicare:
Medicare Open Enrollment Begins
The copyright of the article Medicare in Health Field is owned by Kathy Quan . Permission to republish Medicare in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
