| Among the benefit programs of the government, the | | | | the standard income. |
| most applicable one for the retirees is the medicare | | | | Once the claimants' applications for SSD benefits |
| benefits. However, most of us do not understand the | | | | were approved, they will be able to receive their |
| fundamentals of the medicare program. How does the | | | | medicaid benefits after two years prior to the date of |
| government establish it? How can we benefit from it? | | | | approval. This would mean that they will be ensured of |
| This write-up will try to educate those who are in need | | | | financial support from the government for their daily |
| of such basic and essential information about medicare | | | | basic needs. |
| benefit. This will also serve as a guide for those who | | | | On the other hand, medicare benefits are given to |
| are planning to retire and apply for the said program. | | | | those who are disabled or have already reached their |
| Primarily, the medicare is one of the products of | | | | retirement age regardless of their income. This is |
| former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great | | | | different from supplemental security income and |
| Society" idea which was signed into a law on July 30, | | | | medicaid benefits which are basically needs-based |
| 1965 as an amendment to the Social Security laws. | | | | programs. The medicare has the following coverage 1) |
| Hence, this plan aims to impart the senior citizen of the | | | | Medicare part A - covers hospital visits and staying in |
| U.S. a stable and effective healthcare system which | | | | nursing homes; 2) Medicare part B - covers outpatient |
| will greatly support their medical needs. But, the | | | | care and services which may include doctor visitations, |
| medicare benefits can also be given to those | | | | laboratory reports and x-rays; and 3) Medicare part D |
| individuals who are disabled and not only to those who | | | | - covers prescription drugs. This, however, is only |
| have reached the retirement age of 65 years | | | | available for those who are already eligible for |
| provided that they have met the requirements set by | | | | medicare part A & B benefits. |
| the Social Security Agency. | | | | The medicare program of the government has some |
| In order for a disabled individual to qualify for the | | | | complicated aspects. If the petitioner still finds the |
| medicaid benefits, he or she is required to file an initial | | | | process of applying for the said benefits, then, it is very |
| claim for title II benefits to the nearest Social Security | | | | much recommendable to hire the expert assistance of |
| Administration office. Title II is under the title 2 of the | | | | a qualified social security attorney to help them in |
| Social Security Act which is commonly known as the | | | | pursuing their claims. This will ensure them of acquiring |
| social security disability benefits (SSD). This benefit is | | | | their much needed financial support from the |
| handed over to disabled individuals who fail to meet | | | | government. |