Thursday, December 2, 2010

Florida Medicare Plans

Medicare has four main parts:
  • Part A covers the hospital and nursing facility
  • Part B covers the doctors and medical services
  • Part C covers the Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Part D covers the Prescription Drug Plans

Part A - The Original Medicare Plan:

Medicare Part A covers in-patient hospital services. Includes semi-private room, food, general nursing, medications as part of your inpatient treatment, as well as other medical services and supplies.

You generally do not pay a monthly premium for Part A Medicare coverage in Florida if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while employed. Other coverage includes:

Home Health Services: restricted to medically necessary skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language-pathology, or a continuing need for occupational therapy. You must receive a doctor order for care from a Florida medicare certified home health agency. Also includes medical social services, medical equipment and supplies for home use.

Hospice Care: For people with a terminal illness. Medicare provides coverage for pain relief and medical services. Respite care is provided for up to 5 days each time you get respite care.

Medicare Part B

Any individual, who passes the eligibility guidelines for Medicare Part A, is also eligible for Medicare Part B. This coverage under the Medicare program is made for health practitioner services, outpatient treatment, as well as some medical services which are not included under Part A.

Medicare Part B pays 80% of most doctor's services, outpatient treatment, and durable medical equipment (such as oxygen or wheelchairs). This also includes services or supplies which are required to diagnose or take care of your medical condition.

Part C - Medicare Advantage Plans:

If you join a Florida Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan must provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) benefits, including emergency and urgent care.

The benefits of a Medicare Advantage Plan:
  • Low monthly premiums
  • Some plans offer additional benefits such as dental and vision
  • Only one medical question needs to be answered: Do you have renal disease?

Part D - Prescription Drug Plans:

A Prescription Drug Plan is an insurance policy issued by a private company to help cover the expenses for both brand-name and generic prescription drugs that aren't covered by Part A or Part B.

The benefits of a Florida Medicare Prescription Drug Plan:
  • Low out of pocket expenses
  • Choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare
  • Protection from unexpected prescription drug bills in the future
View the original article here