For most people, Medicare eligibility begins at 65.
Designed to provide protection for older members of society, the Medicare system is part of the Social Security system. When you turn 65, you are eligible for various benefits under the Medicare system, including doctor visits, inpatient hospitalization and prescription drug discounts. Medicare is funded by taxes paid into the Social Security system.
History
Medicare is a government program offering medical and health services to certain groups. It is managed by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is considered a form of "social insurance." Created by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, Medicare was an amendment to the Social Security Act and more than 40 million people are covered by Medicare.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for Medicare benefits, you need to be 65 years old and have paid into the Medicare/Social Security system for at least 10 years. If you're under 65, you must be disabled. If you are suffering from permanent kidney failure and need dialysis or a kidney transplant, you can get Medicare benefits at any age.
Hospital Insurance
Hospital insurance is one of the benefits provided by Medicare. It helps pay inpatient care, as well as home care, if needed. There are no premiums involved with this portion of Medicare, since most people pay into the system when they're working. When a person has an overnight stay in a hospital, however, that does not necessarily mean they are entitled to inpatient status. A physician actually needs to admit a person into the hospital in order qualify for inpatient status and benefits.
Medical Insurance
Another benefit provided under the Medicare system is medical insurance. Visits to the doctor can be covered under Medicare. In addition, certain kinds of outpatient care are eligible for Medicare benefits. If you're interested in finding out if a certain kind of outpatient care is covered, you should contact your local Medicare representative. In addition to visits to the doctor, some preventative services are covered.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is another benefit found in the Medicare system. It's a health care option offered by Medicare-approved private insurance agencies. Participants in the program pay a premium and can get hospital insurance, medical insurance and even some Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Prescription Drugs
In order to help keep the costs of prescription drugs down, Medicare offers prescription drug coverage, operated by Medicare-approved private companies and also by some insurance companies.
Tags: Medicare system, Social Security, Medicare benefits, prescription drug, Security system
