People above 65 years of age and older are eligible to avail Medicare health insurance. It is provided by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. One can also enroll for Medicare through the social security administration and railroad retirement board. Medicare cards can be issued to the person before 3 months of reaching 65 years of age. For people aged 65 and above, there is no need to pay a monthly premium for Part A benefits of Medicare. This is because, these people or their spouse had paid FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes, while they were working. This tax is deducted from the income. However, for those people who have not paid these taxes for long enough (10 years in most cases), they may have to pay monthly premium for availing Medicare Part A benefits. Social security administration can provide information on the premiums that needs to be paid by the person. ("Get help paying costs | Medicare.gov", 2016)
Part A of Medicare covers hospital insurance. It covers inpatient hospital care, hospice care, home health services and in-patient skilled nursing. Medicare basic coverage also includes Part B and Part D. Part B covers doctors’ visits, outpatient care, durable medical equipment and preventive screenings. Elderly who want to avail this are required to pay monthly or quarterly premium to the Social Security Administration. ("Get help paying costs | Medicare.gov", 2016)
Part D of Medicare covers outpatient prescription drugs and Medicare approved formularies. Part D coverage is available to people who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Part D can also be acquired separately from a private insurance company that is approved by Medicare. The cost of the plan will vary depending on the type of drugs that are covered. ("Get help paying costs | Medicare.gov", 2016)
The health care reforms have strengthened Medicare. It now covers more preventive health services like mammograms and colonoscopies, even without charging for the Part B coverages. A free yearly wellness visit is also included in the plan, without any added cost. It also offers protection to Medicare Trust funds and services. There would be a reduction in the number of faults and faulty services as well. With the new reforms, consumers can make a notable savings on their premiums as well. The health reforms have changed the way in which Medicare and Medicaid, pays for the services. It has directed the country on a path of achieving universal insurance coverage. (Thorpe & Philyaw, 2010; "The Affordable Care Act & Medicare | Medicare.gov", 2016)
References
Get help paying costs | Medicare.gov. (2016). Medicare.gov. Retrieved 6 July 2016, from https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/help-paying-costs/get-help-paying- costs.html
The Affordable Care Act & Medicare | Medicare.gov. (2016). Medicare.gov. Retrieved 6 July 2016, from https://www.medicare.gov/about-us/affordable-care-act/affordable-care- act.html
Thorpe, K. & Philyaw, M. (2010). Impact of Health Care Reform on Medicare and Dual Medicare- Medicaid Beneficiaries. The Cancer Journal, 16(6), 584-587. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ppo.0b013e3181ff3156
