| The United States Social Security Administration | | | | at a lower cost, through a provider organization of his |
| (SSA) administers numerous social insurance | | | | choice. Unlike Part A and B, Medicare Advantage is |
| programs. One of these is the Medicare Benefits. | | | | optional, but you must have both Part A and B in order |
| Medicare provides health insurance programs for: | | | | to avail of Part C. Part C includes:a. Medicare Health |
| 1. People 65 years and above; | | | | Maintenance Organization (HMOs)b. Preferred Provider |
| 2. People below 65 years but with disabilities for not | | | | Organizations (PPO)c. Private Fee-for-Service Plans |
| less than two years; and | | | | andd. Medicare Special Needs Plans |
| 3. People, regardless of age, suffering from End-Stage | | | | 4. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) - this |
| Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure which | | | | is paid for enrollees' monthly premium and Medicare. |
| requires dialysis and/or kidney transplant) | | | | Like the Medicare Advantage Plan, it is also optional. |
| Medicare provided for by the SSA has four parts: | | | | However, Medicare will not cover 100% of your |
| 1. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) - this is paid for | | | | medical costs. As a solution, it is better if you should: |
| by Social Security tax. People over age 65 and other | | | | 1. Inform your other health insurance that you are |
| covered members automatically qualify for Medicare | | | | eligible for Medicare. |
| Part A. Most people do not pay Hospital Insurance | | | | 2. Obtain a medigap insurance policy. This covers |
| anymore because a spouse or a family member has | | | | Medicare deductibles. |
| already been paying for it through payroll taxes. | | | | 3. Study the Medicare Handbook to understand |
| This benefit includes, among others:a. Inpatient care in | | | | properly your Medicare coverage. |
| hospitalsb. Care in skilled nursing facilitiesc. Home health | | | | When to apply for Medicare Insurance and Benefits: |
| servicesd. Hospice caree. Blood Transfusion | | | | If you are not yet receiving social security benefits, visit |
| 2. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) - this is paid for | | | | the nearest SSA office before or about three months |
| by the covered members' monthly premiums | | | | before you turn 65 years old, and fill up the Medicare |
| depending on their gross income, as well as by the | | | | Application Form. |
| general funds coming from the US Treasury. People | | | | If you are already receiving social security benefits, |
| over the age of 65 and other people getting Social | | | | you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare upon |
| Security benefits automatically qualify for Medicare | | | | turning 65 years old. |
| Part B. | | | | If you are suffering from a disability, you will be |
| This part covers all but not limited to:a. Outpatient | | | | automatically enrolled in Medicare after two years of |
| careb. Doctor's servicesc. Preventive servicesd. | | | | getting Disability Benefits. |
| Ambulance servicese. Bone Mass Measurementf. | | | | For queries regarding Medicare and other Social |
| Cardiovascular, Cancer and Diabetes screeningsg. | | | | Security Benefits, contact a Medicare Customer |
| Occupational and Physical Therapyh. Eye examinationi. | | | | Service Representative or a Social Security Attorney. |
| Dialysisj. Mammogramsk. Clinical Laboratory | | | | For further information about your medicare insurance |
| Screenings and Trialsl. Transplant Services | | | | benefits may be found at our expert Los Angeles |
| 3. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) - allows the | | | | attorneys' website. We also provide free case |
| covered member to receive health care and services, | | | | evaluation services for our clients. |