At Discovery Villages, we help our Senior Citizens find the best ways to improve their physical and emotional well being through our award-winning wellness programs. We support our older adults by taking into consideration the issues that matter most to them. Talk to our staff at Discovery Villages today about all the ways we can help you or your loved one improve their overall wellness and health. Come visit us today at one of our locations in Fort Myers, Naples and Sarasota.
Senior Citizens, who are U.S. Citizens or permanent legal residents of the U.S. can begin enrolling in Medicare three months prior to their 65th birthdays. This Initial Enrollment period lasts seven months (the three months prior to turning 65, the month the birthday occurs and the three months after the birthday takes place).
Seniors will not automatically get Medicare and must enroll, unless they already get benefits from the Retirement Railroad Board or Social Security; live in Puerto Rico and already get benefits from the Retirement Railroad Board or Social Security; are younger than 65 with a disability; or have ALS.
Here are some ways you can sign up for Medicare Part A and B currently:
1. Apply Online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/apply.html
2. Call the Social Security Office at 1.800.772.1213. TTY users can call 1.800.325.0778.
3. Visit your local Social Security office. You can locate where the office is by calling the toll free number or entering your zip code at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
Before signing up, Seniors will want to learn about the different parts of Original Medicare so that they can understand their coverage. Similar to other health insurance, a deductible must be met each year before Medicare pays its portion. You may also have to pay coinsurance and copayments, even after you have paid your deductible.
Below are the different parts of Original Medicare:
Part A
Generally Part A Medicare covers inpatient care including:
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Hospice
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Some Home Health Services
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Hospital care
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Nursing Facilities
Seniors who have worked in the U.S. for ten or more years do not have to pay a monthly premium for Part A.
Part B
Generally Part B Medicare covers outpatient care. Such coverage includes:
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Preventative health care
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Doctor Visits
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Durable Medical Equipment
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Vaccines
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Mental Health Services
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Ambulance Services
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Some outpatient prescription drugs
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Clinical Research
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Having a Second Opinion before Surgery
Seniors pay a monthly premium for Part B Medicare. Usually Medicare Recipients are responsible for paying twenty percent of the approved cost for Outpatient Care.
Please note that Part B Medicare is only covered if the services are provided by a health care provider that accepts assignment. This means that the health care provider or doctor must have signed an agreement to accept Medicare approved amounts. If not, it is the patient’s responsibility to pay.
If you are unsure if Medicare covers your medical test, procedure, item or service, talk to your doctor.
You can also type in your service here to find out if Medicare will pay: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/your-medicare-coverage.html
To view a scanned list of what Medicare covers, go to:
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/is-your-test-item-or-service-covered.html
Original Medicare won’t pay for everything
Original Medicare does not cover certain services. The patient is responsible for paying these services out of pocket or through another form of health insurance. Original Medicare currently does not pay for:
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Dental Services, including dentures
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Eye Exams, including prescription eyeglasses
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Long-term Care
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Hearing Aids
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Foot Care
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Acupuncture
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Cosmetic Surgery
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Prescription Drug Coverage (You can buy a separate Medicare Part D plan for this)
Part C
Private insurance companies offer Medicare Part C. It is also known as Medicare Advantage and is not a part of Original Medicare. In addition to paying for Medicare premiums, Seniors are responsible for their plan’s premiums (if there is an additional charge). These plans set their own deductibles and co-payments. These plans often have a fixed cost for each doctor visit. Medicare Advantage may offer additional services such as dental, vision and hearing. They also typically have some drug coverage benefits.
To find and compare Medicare Advantage plans, go to https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx
You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE for further information.
Part D
Part D is known as the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit program. This coverage can work with other health insurance. Different prescription drugs typically have different costs that are placed according to tiers. The lower tiers will usually cost less than the higher tiers. There are exceptions to this rule if a higher drug is deemed necessary. In this case, you or your prescriber can ask for an exception.
Discovery Village At Naples offers a variety of senior living programs to keep seniors healthy and active. Learn about our senior living options and amenities today when you contact us at 239.238.1790.
