America’s national health insurance program, which is known as Medicare, is the sole source of heath care for over 61 million seniors in the country, as of 2019.
If current indicators are anything to go by, this number is only set to increase with time.
How Many Medicare Enrollees Every Year?
As mentioned, millions of Americans depend on the benefits provided by Medicare, but the curious thing is that there are only tens of thousands of providers that are currently signed onto cater to the basic healthcare of these millions of people.
Medicare covers things such as home health care and funding assisted community living.
Who Qualifies for Medicare?
To qualify for Medicare programs, you have to be an American citizen or at least a permanent resident who is 65 years or older.
People with end-stage renal disease and any other disability may also qualify for Medicare even if they are under the age of 65, granted they’re able to provide proof of their diagnosis.
How to Enroll in Medicare
Anyone who has ever benefited from Social Security will be automatically eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 and they don’t have to apply for anything.
They will simply receive all the relevant information and enrollment cards three months after they’ve turned 65.
However, they are also within their rights to sign up at their local Social Security office within three months of their 65th birthday if automatic enrollment hasn’t been successful.
Health Care Providers
Medicare patients can be served by any pharmacy, home care agency, nursing facility, outpatient provider, clinic, hospital or clinic that is Medicare approved.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that the healthcare provider that you’re considering actually accepts Medicare before you make an appointment.
Medicare Coverage
Medicare is designed to provide cover for injury or illness.
This includes outpatient care such as hospice, X-rays, lab work, doctor’s services and hospitalizations as well as inpatient and outpatient care in mental health and nursing facilities.
But, Medicare Advantage Plans 2021 now include a wide range of screening and preventative services, including physical exams, glaucoma tests, diabetes supplies and screening, immunizations for hepatitis B, pneumonia and flu viruses, screenings for various kinds of cancers, smoking cessation counseling, and cardiovascular screening.
What Doesn’t It Cover?
Medicare isn’t meant for things like in-home care or long-term nursing home care, which often includes personal services like delivery services and meals. Medicare can only cover short-term skilled nursing care.
In the past, Medicare would cover preventative services but it no longer provides for routine care needs such as long-term care, glasses and hearing aids, routine physical exams, medical treatment outside of the US, dental care and dentures, etc.
Also, Medicare isn’t designed to cover elective procedures such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and cosmetic surgery.
Before you book an appointment with any healthcare provider make sure that they accept Medicare or else you’ll have to pay out of pocket for it. The same goes for pharmacies, home care and outpatient care services.