This is the second of a five-part series on the Parts of Medicare.
The second component of Original Medicare is Part B or medical insurance. It helps cover doctor visits, x-rays, some surgeries, laboratory work, durable medical equipment (like crutches and braces) and ambulance services.
Imagine this scenario: Paul is at home alone when he slips and falls and injures his elbow. He calls an ambulance, which takes him to an urgent care doctor that accepts Medicare. The doctor orders an X-ray of Paul’s elbow, and notices symptoms of an unrelated illness while examining Paul. The doctor orders a test to confirm, which comes up as negative. Paul’s arm is put in a brace, and Paul’s wife takes him home without missing the 11 o’clock news. Thankfully, Paul signed up for Medicare Part B, which helps cover all of these services. If Part B is the only coverage Paul has, however, he will be responsible for meeting a deductible and/or copay.
For more information or to get signed up, give us a call at 1-800-697-9596 to speak to a licensed sales agent.
Part B is available for a low monthly premium (often deducted directly out of social security payments) to those eligible for Medicare. To sign up for Part B without a penalty, you need to sign up three months before through up to three months after the month you turn 65. To learn more about eligibility and cost, go online at www.medicare.gov/eligibilitypremiumcalc or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778.
While Part A and B can be successful programs, many seniors find that the benefits do not cover everything they need. Medicare Part D was introduced to provide coverage for prescription drugs, and other plans are available to improve Parts A and B.
A final note: not all doctors accept Medicare. That’s why it’s important to contact a Licensed Sales Agent at Get Benefits today to make sure your personal physician accepts Medicare and to review all of your benefit options.
Click here for Part 3 in our series: What’s with Part D?