Medicare Benefits

If you are new to Medicare, and haven’t already, check out our Original Medicare page, for the bare bones description of all the parts of Medicare.

For the most in-depth details about your Medicare Benefits, visit Medicare.gov, or download Medicare and You 2011 for free.

The purpose of this article is to give you some quick information to determine what benefits will be available to you on Medicare, and what you need to do to sign up.

Medicare Consists of Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (doctor and outpatient care), and Part D (Prescription Drug coverage).

Some people will be enrolled in Part A and B automatically, while others may need to sign up. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits by the time you turn 65, your Medicare Part A and B benefits will begin automatically on the 1st of the month you turn 65. You will receive your Medicare card prior to this date. Your Medicare card will have your effective date printed on it.

This Medicare Card is proof of your enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B. You must be able to prove you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and B in order to sign up for a Medicare Supplement, or Medicare Advantage plan.

If you are still working at the time you turn 65, and/or you are not yet receiving Social Security, you will need to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B. If you want your Medicare benefits to become effective as soon as you are eligible, make sure you sign up early! Call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) three months before you turn 65 to find out about your eligibility, and to enroll.

Medicare Part A Benefits

Most people don’t have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A.

Part A covers inpatient hospital visits after you pay a deductible of $1132, and also helps pay for home health care, skilled nursing, hospice, and durable medical equipment.

Here is an updated chart from the 2011 Medicare and You Handbook that outlines your Medicare Part A benefits:

Part A Costs for Covered Services and Items

Medicare Part B Benefits

Most people must pay a standardized premium for Medicare Part B. If your yearly income was below $85,000 (individual), or $170,000 (joint income), you will pay $115.40 in 2011.

Medicare Part B benefits kick in after you pay a deductible of $162. This means, you pay for the first $162 in Part B covered medical services, then Medicare covers 80% of these charges for the remainder of the calendar year.

Part B covered services include doctor and outpatient hospital services.

Here’s a chart of your Part B Covered services from the most current Medicare and You Handbook (Jan 2011)

Part B Costs for Covered Services and Items