What Is Medicare A&B?
The federal government runs the Medicare program to help Americans 65 and older, as well as others who qualify, with their health care costs. Medicare parts A and B, known as "Original Medicare," provide beneficiaries with basic health care coverage.
The Medicare System
Medicare is a social insurance program run by the federal government that started with the Social Security Act of 1965. Lyndon B. Johnson was the president who signed the legislation into law. The federal agency responsible for running the Medicare program is known as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Eligibility
Any U.S. citizen 65 or older can qualify for Medicare. Those who aren't yet 65 still might be able to qualify by meeting certain conditions. Those who receive continuing dialysis for end-stage renal disease and those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) can qualify regardless of age. Others who have certain types of disabilities can enroll in Medicare, but they might have to wait two years from the date of application before their coverage kicks in.
Part A
Medicare Part A helps beneficiaries cover things such as blood transfusions, hospital care as an inpatient, stays in skilled nursing facilities and some home health care, like hospice. Part A also helps cover anesthesia, chemotherapy, transportation services, bariatric surgery for obesity and other diagnostic and therapeutic services. Beneficiaries typically don't have to pay for Part A because they've technically already paid for it by paying their taxes over the years.
Part B
Medicare Part B helps pay for some things that Part A doesn't cover, but it usually requires the payment of a monthly premium. The monthly cost for most beneficiaries in 2010 will be $96.40. It helps cover doctor's services and other hospital outpatient services. It also covers X-rays, lab tests and some other preventive services. It also covers some occupational and physical therapy.
Services Not Covered by Medicare A and B
Medicare Part A doesn't cover private nursing, private rooms or assisted living. Part B doesn't cover costs such as prescription drugs, custodial care or routine physical checkups. It also doesn't cover the costs of hearing aids or other personal comfort items such as glasses or contacts.
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