Medicare started offering insurance coverage for prescription drugs through Medicare prescriptions drug plans and other health plan options. Medicare's prescription drug coverage will typically pay over half of your drug costs, for a monthly premium. (see Medicare Part D)
Part B is Medical Insurance and covers physicians services, outpatient care, test, and supplies. (see Medicare Part B)
Part A is Hospital Insurance and covers cost associated with confinement in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. (see Medicare Part A)
The Medicare Program
Medicare is a health insurance program for:
- People age 65 or older.
- People under age 65 with certain disabilities.
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)
The Original Medicare Has Two Parts
Many people do not know about or understand all the long term care options that are available. The following are brief descriptions of the major types of long term care, the kinds of service you may need, the ways of paying for long term care and how to find the best services and facilities:
Home care can be given in your own home by family members, friends, volunteers, and/or paid professionals. This type of care can range from help with shopping to nursing care. Another type of care that can be given at home is hospice care for terminally ill people.
