Medicare can be termed as a federal health insurance program available for citizens in the United States, more so for younger people eligible for disability benefits and older adults from 65 years. As you age, Medicare serves a significant purpose of covering all the medical bills, and it comprises four parts; Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D, with each of the parts offering specific benefits.
Enrolling in Medicare
Suppose you are not eligible for Social Security benefits; you have to key into the Social Security website for Medicare enrollment. Individuals who have attained 65 years of age and are receiving Social Security benefits are automatically signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B services. However, one has to sign up for Part D if one wants to be involved in prescription drug coverage.
Typically, this should be done in the seven-month window before turning 65 years to avoid going through long waiting times for the insurance to be activated and to keep from attracting permanent penalties. If you want to access Medigap services or Medicare Supplement Insurance, ensure you use the six-month Medigap enrollment period to sign up, which starts from your 65th birthday month.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
As discussed earlier, one qualifies for Medicare if they are living with disabilities or through automatic enrollment after claiming the Social Security benefits. Otherwise, it is up to you to see to it that you are proactively enrolled through the following enrollment periods:
There exists a seven-month initial enrollment period for those with no automatic enrollment qualifications. These months are equated to your birthday month plus the first and last three months before and after your birthday month.
The General Enrollment Period is for those who do not utilize the initial enrollment period to apply for Medicare. This period is marked from 1st January to 31st March annually, with the coverage set to start from 1st July.
This is the period where you are given the go-ahead to join Medicare so that you can make adjustments to your coverage depending on specific life events, such as migrating from the area your Medicare plan is specific to or when you are leaving your job.
Moreover, an annual Medicare enrollment period is available for those intending to change their coverage plans later. If you want to enroll yourself in Medicare coverage plans, you can do so in the following ways:
Online Medicare applications are easy and do not last more than ten minutes. If you do not make through with the online registration and need to visit the Social Security offices, be keen to call first and check on the in-person appointment availability.
Some of the common expenses that are not included in the Medicare cover include:
Enrolling your Newborn on Medicare
When it comes to Medicare, a newborn is a toddler aged up to 52 weeks, and enrolling them on Medicare as soon as possible is essential. After giving birth, the midwife or hospital issues you with a Parent Pack that includes a Newborn Child Declaration Form signed by the doctor or midwife in action.
Birth certificates are also the main requirement for children above 52 weeks. This form acts as the childbirth proof form and is a requirement for them to get enrolled on Medicare for efficient treatment. You can use their birth certificate form in the event that the Newborn Child Declaration form is lost.
Advantages of Enrolling in Medicare
Medicare is a lifesaver for those who have attained 65 years and have no proper treatment plan, not forgetting those living with disabilities. Some of the advantages of the Medicare plan are such as:
1. It Provides Coverage to Millions of People
Thanks to the Medicare program, millions of aging adults and those with disabilities are able to receive comprehensive treatment without having to worry much about treatment costs. Medicare is thus considered important because it conveniently serves a wide range of people.
2. Medicare Advantage Plans have Additional Coverage
Each year, more individuals sign up for the Medicare Advantage Plan, which offers beneficiaries an alternative to receiving benefits from private insurance company plans. Once enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can access additional benefits at a minimal cost. You can learn more on the website like Clearmatch Medicare or Medicare.gov
3. Medicare has Encouraged Prescription Innovations
The invention of Medicare was a huge opportunity for prescription drug companies to go full swing in the production of the needed drugs. This has also enabled Americans to have great access to the needed prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical companies were encouraged to invest in drug development after the addition of Medicare Plan D, which caters to prescription drugs.
4. Medicare has Contributed to Increased Medical Standards
The creation of Medicare prompted Congress to develop a set of standards for the enrollment of hospitals into the program. The more Medicare became effective, the more the government was encouraged to continue upholding the standards so that beneficiaries get access to the best form of care available.
Before proceeding with Medicare plan enrollments, make sure you conduct your own share of research so that you are well informed about what you are getting yourself into. Compare the plans with Health Markets so that you are fully aware of what is available and what is not.