Intro
Medicare is an international health insurance program in the US, started in 1965 with the Social Security Act and subsequently administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It provides full coverage of medical expenses incurred by senior citizens, disabled persons and people aged 65 or above. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans covers additional services like dental benefits, vision care and behavioral health. Medicare Part D Plans is prescription drugs, Medicare health plans and certain Medicare Advantage Plans. All these plans are managed by private health insurance companies with the support of Medicare.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are those that supplement the original Medicare program and allow you to choose among a variety of options like hospitalization, extended hospital stays, home health care, complementary medicines, emergency and accident assistance and much more. Medicare Advantage Plans are the unique features of this health-care scheme. These cover the same services as Medicare Supplement Plans, but for a higher premium and different benefits. Here is a list of some of the most popular Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in the market:
The original Medicare program covers major medical expenses and it also reimburses the insured for outpatient hospital stays up to a maximum of three days. As per Medicare regulations, the eligible person should have been receiving Medicare benefits for at least one year. Eligibility for Medicare does not stop with age. Once you turn sixty-five, you can remain eligible for the Medicare benefits for as long as you remain healthy, free of ailments other than Alzheimer’s. However, you will need to pay a monthly premium towards the Medicare option of your choice along with the regular Medicare fee to maintain coverage.
Medigap and Medicare Advantage Insurance Plans
Medigap insurance helps pay for the costs related to emergency room visits and medication. It also pays for diagnostic tests related to chronic diseases, hospitalization and surgery. While getting Medicare, you must be below a certain age (iors) and you must be a citizen of the country in which you reside. This helps to qualify for Medicare according to your health care needs and the premium that you will have to pay towards the Medicare supplement insurance will depend on your age, health conditions and level of income.
The Medicare Advantage Plans is private health insurance plans offered by managed care providers. As per Medicare part c plans, the Medicare Part A & B cover medical expenses and a part c deductible. Medicare part c plan covers some other services like hearing aids, vision care and certain hospitalization costs, in case you get Medicare advantage plan, you will get Medicare reimbursement immediately.
Medicare Reimbursement
Medicare reimbursement for prescriptions helps the insured get timely medication. According to the new trends in healthcare delivery system, more focus is being placed on improving the quality of health care and minimizing waste in health care systems. The focus on wellness management and information technology has also made a difference. Many companies are focusing on bringing in new technologies and other techniques that will help reduce overall health care spending.