|
Medicare |
Medigap |
Medicaid |
What is it? |
Federal health
insurance program for Social Security recipients. Parts A
and B comprise the original Medicare program.
Medicare Advantage (also referred to as Part C) plans are also available in some areas. They provide managed care and fee-for-service options through private insurers. |
Medicare
supplement insurance issued by private companies.
Typically, individuals who have Medicare Advantage would
not need a Medigap plan. |
Joint
federal-state need-based health insurance program.
Eligibility requirements and covered services vary
from state to state. |
What does it cover? |
All or some
portion of:
Part A: Hospital and skilled nursing facilities, home
health agency care, hospice care, inpatient psychiatric
care, and blood transfusions. Part B: Doctors, outpatient mental health services,
therapy, part-time skilled home health care, certain preventative services, and other
medical services. |
All or some
portion of:
Medical care not covered by Medicare, deductibles, co-payments, and
coinsurance; plans may also cover other services such as
eye and dental exams. |
All or some
portion of:
A broad range of medical services including inpatient
and outpatient hospital care, prescription drugs, nursing
home care, and skilled care. |
Part C: All the
benefits offered by the original Medicare plan. Some
offer added benefits such as prescription drugs, eye
exams, and hearing aids. Part D: Prescription drug coverage (optional). |
Who is eligible? |
Generally,
persons age 65 or older, and those with certain
disabilities or diseases are eligible for Medicare Parts
A and B.
Anyone eligible for Parts A and B is eligible for Part
C and Part D. |
Individuals who
are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. |
Individuals who
have limited income and resources and who meet other
eligibility requirements. |
What is the cost? |
Part A: Most
participants don't pay for this coverage because of prior
Social Security covered employment.
Part B: $96.40 monthly premium, $135 annual
deductible; $128 daily co-pay for skilled nursing care
for days 21-100 (in 2008). Part C: Varies by insurer, state, and plan. Part D: Varies by insurer, state, and plan. |
Premiums vary
by company, region, and plan. There are generally 12 available
plans (A-L), each offering different levels of coverage.
Not all plans are available in every
state. |
No premium.
Deductibles vary from state to state. |
What does it take to enroll? |
If you are
receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits
(or are applying for benefits) at or prior to age 65, you
will be automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B.
Contact the Social Security Administration to enroll
if: - You will not receive Social Security or Railroad
Retirement benefits at age 65
- You want to enroll in Medicare Part C
- You want to apply for benefits prior to age 65 due
to a covered medical condition
|
Purchase a
policy from an insurance company.
You can find information on Medigap policies offered
in your area by visiting the Medicare website or calling
(800) 633-4227. |
Application
procedures vary from state to state.
For information, contact the agency responsible for
administering Medicaid in your state. |