Senior Healthcare Options Explained In Layman’s Terms

Senior Healthcare Options Explained In Layman’s Terms

It is better to understand the options you will be presented before you actually get to that point in life.  Healthcare for senior citizens in the United States is a maze of confusion and misleading terms and conditions.

It can be hard to weave your way through the vernacular and choose what is best for your individual health needs.  Take a moment to save yourself some trouble, and read through this simplified explanation of healthcare options for seniors in the nation.

Medicare

Medicare is one of the most confusing setups for senior citizen health insurance.  It is most often confused with its friendly counterpart, Medicaid.  If you are over the age of 65, the federal government offers their own health insurance option, called Medicare.

Medicare has four different “parts,” and they are as such:

  • Part A: If you paid taxes for more than ten years, and you are over 65, Part A Medicare insurance will cover any hospitalization or home health care costs.
  • Part B: General medical insurance that covers doctors visits, annual checkups, mental health, x-rays, and much more.  There is always a deductible and usually a copay.  Coverage limits apply.
  • Part C: This is the Medicare Advantage.  It is a way to get Medicare coverage benefits through a private insurance company, but you have to have Part A and B to be eligible
  • Part D: Part D is prescription coverage.  You pay a monthly fee, and it is best for those who have to take medications regularly.

Medicaid

Not to be confused with Medicare, Medicaid is easily identified by its last three letters.  Medicaid is for added medical aid.  It provides specific coverage and a sort of gap insurance for elderly citizens.  Applicants have to meet specific income limitations to qualify.

Private health insurance

For those who are fortunate enough to have a healthy income, private health insurance is an excellent option for senior citizens.  Private health insurance policies can also be paired with Medicare through the right avenues to make certain the patient has sufficient coverage.

Supplemental health insurance

There is always a provision to be made for health insurance, and supplemental insurance like Medigap is meant to bridge the financial gap for health care.   To qualify for “Medigap,” you have to already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

It may seem like a bit of overkill in the coverage department, but as you age, your medical needs will almost certainly become more prevalent.  You do not want to leave your family scraping and scrounging for pennies to pay for your medical costs.

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