If you are new to Medicare, it is important to know that majority of people qualify for it when they clock 65 years and above. However, how you decide to sign up for it will vary depending on your situation. For instance, if you are a beneficiary of Medicare, you are automatically enrolled.
How to sign up
If you are wondering how do you sign up for health insurance, you can apply through the social security online by logging on to the SSA.gov website or using your phone by calling the social security hotline line. They are available from Monday to Friday between 7 am to 7 pm.
How it works with employer health insurance
Supposing you are wondering how does employer health insurance work with Medicare or how does Medicare and private insurance work. It is very clear that each type is called a payer if you have Medicare and other insurance and other coverage or insurance covers. When you have more than one, the board certified patient advocate has a rule in place whereby there has to be a coordination of benefits. And it rules which one among your payer has to pay first. The primary payer you select will pay first and then be followed by the second payer in an organized way.
Medicare is a government health insurance policy that millions of Americans currently rely on. Medicare is an affordable health insurance plan that is specific to seniors. Seniors are often in retirement and unable to collect health insurance benefits from their previous employer. Instead, they are able to enroll in the Medicare health and life insurance plan. The program provides many benefits to seniors and their dependents.
How successful is the plan?
Although Medicare sometimes gets negative publicity, it is actually extremely beneficial for seniors. About 6 in 10 Americans say that Medicare is working well. Seniors are the most likely to say the program is successful, with 8 in 10 saying it serves seniors well (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2013). A large part of its success is due to the fact that there are many accompanying Medicare programs to make up for any coverage gaps.
What exactly does Medicare cover?
The Medicare program covers many of the same health needs that traditional, private insurance plans do. The specific coverages of the policy depend on the type of plan purchased, but most cover the basic medical needs of an individual. If a patient requires additional coverage, they may consider a Medigap policy. However, it is important to note that Medigap policies generally do not cover the following six healthcare concerns, long term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and private duty nursing (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2015). If any of these additional healthcare items are needed, additional insurance may be a good add on.
How many seniors are currently on Medicare?
Just how used is the Medicare health insurance plan? In 2013 alone, 39.7 million Americans were enrolled in Medicare. In 2015, 55.7 million people were enrolled. Experts predict that by 2030, there will be 81 million enrollees. (The Commonwealth Fund, 2015). Additionally, every day there are thousands more seniors enrolling in the plan. Many would say that the Medicare program is the solution to senior healthcare needs that we have needed for a while. The program allows seniors to continue on with a healthy lifestyle, ensuring that all of their medical needs are met.
A solution for health insurance gaps?
Despite high Medicare enrollment, many worry about the upcoming needs of senior health insurance. People are living longer and longer and more generations are making it to senior and retirement age. At this age, it can be extremely difficult when managing health care expenses to also account for medical care needs. This is especially true as health care needs increase with added medical conditions. Choosing a health plan is one of the biggest financial struggles that seniors will face in retirement. However, as more and more seniors enroll in Medicare, the program should only become more affordable, thus solving a senior health insurance gap problem.
Medicare as a life insurance policy?
Another common financial problem that many of today?s seniors face is a lack of life insurance. Family members are left with high amounts of debt and a lack of funds for taking care of end of life healthcare needs. Although life insurance plans are relatively affordable, many Americans do not take advantage of them. When seniors enroll into Medicare health insurance, however, they are also provided the ability to add on life insurance. These life insurance policies tend to be more affordable and are a great addition to the health insurance plan.
The Medicare health insurance plan sometimes gets negative attention. However, it has actually solved a huge healthcare need in our country. There are too many seniors retiring without access to health insurance or a life insurance policy. The Medicare health insurance plan solves this problem. It gives seniors the availability of health insurance at an affordable price, allowing them to focus on other important financial factors.
