I think everyone could use a Medicare for beginners article. Especially after all the changes that have taken plan the last few years.
If you are an American citizen or permanent resident, you are going to want to be familiar with the many benefits that are available to you. One of the greatest things about this country are all of the many services and benefits available to the citizens of this country who work hard and pay taxes to keep the nation strong. If you are not currently in need or eligible for most benefits, this should not be reason for you to remain in the dark. As a citizen, it’s your job to stay informed and to be aware of the many different options and benefits that will someday be available to you.
One of the most significant and commonly used of these benefits is the Medicare program.
Chances are that you have heard of Medicare before, but you may not be familiar with what it is or how you can get it, basically you need a quick intro to Medicare for beginners. To begin with, this program is not the same as Medicaid. Medicaid is a health program for those from low income households. This program is relatively controversial among many politicians, though it is designed to help people who have trouble paying for health care. Medicare is a program that has been designed for seniors 65 and over who need prescription drugs, surgery, and treatment, but who do not have the money to pay for it themselves or to get proper health insurance.
In order to be eligible for Medicare, you need to be at least 65 and have paid taxes. Medicare is funded by taxpayer money. Some money is also funded by Social Security. For this reason, you must either be an American citizen or a permanent resident in order to qualify. There are a few conditions that will qualify you for Medicare before the age of 65. You should also keep in mind that for most seniors, Medicare is not enough to pay for all of their medical expenses. For this reason, many Medicare receivers will have to supplement their plans with conventional health insurance.
If you are 65 or over, then chances are that you can qualify for Medicare. There are 4 parts to Medicare you need to educate yourself on; Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D. If you are not yet 65 and are not suffering from any serious conditions, then you might not need Medicare at the moment, but it is up to you to stay informed about this important health care program, especially since your taxpayer money is going to support this essential part of American aging.
