Available through Social Security, Medicare is the United States' government-run health insurance program designed to assist both the disabled and people ages 65 and up with health care services and costs. For working taxpayers, the years of making Medicare contributions via payroll taxes bring entitlement to Medicare health benefits upon retirement.
History
President Harry Truman was the first to initialize efforts toward a government-run, pre-paid health care program. His proposal to Congress in 1945 outlined a health care program that utilized both the Social Security system and federal revenue funding to cover everyone, including the very needy. Labeled "socialized medicine," Truman's proposal was rejected by Congress. It wasn't until 1965, with Truman as the first recipient, that President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid Bill as part of the Social Security Act, extending health coverage to all Americans 65 and older.
Eligibility
Social Security Medicare eligibility changes often and can become quite confusing. The most basic requirements say a person must be at least 65 years old and a U.S. citizen to qualify for benefits. Foreign nationals, with proof of five-year residency and pending U.S. citizenship, are also eligible for Medicare benefits at age 65. In addition, individuals under 65 who qualify as permanently disabled through Social Security are eligible for Medicare after receiving disability benefits for a minimum of 24 months.
Benefits
Social Security Medicare benefits are always described in four parts -- A, B, C and D. Part A is the health insurance coverage that pays for hospital and hospice stays and is free for all those who meet basic eligibility requirements. Part B is Medicare medical insurance that assists with services and doctor's fees not covered by Part A. Part C, or the Medicare Advantage Plan, offers patients covered by Part A and B the option of choosing a single health organization to provide all services. Part D provides Medicare prescription drug coverage and helps pay for all or part of doctor-prescribed medications.
Costs
Part A Medicare is free for all who meet eligibility requirements. Those eligible for Part A can enroll in Part B for a monthly premium. According to new Social Security Medicare regulations, patients with higher incomes will pay a higher premium for Part B. In addition, recipients must enroll in Part B within 17 months of qualifying for Medicare Part A coverage or risk paying higher premiums regardless of income level. The Medicare Advantage Plan, or Part C, costs a monthly premium depending on the health care provider and services chosen. Medicare Part D prescription coverage is voluntary and costs a monthly premium.
Misconceptions
It is a common misconception that Social Security Medicare and the state-run Medicaid program are one and the same. The truth is that the two are very different. Unlike federally funded Medicare, eligibility requirements for Medicaid vary from state to state, and the program is specifically geared for low-income or indigent families and individuals. Unlike Medicare health care, which is available through the Social Security Administration, applications for Medicaid are provided at local welfare offices and social services organizations.
Tags: Social Security, Security Medicare, Social Security Medicare, health care, eligibility requirements
