When I began working with Medicare health plans a few years ago it became obvious to me that people aging into Medicare were joining a health insurance program that they really didn’t understand.  Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) do all they can to educate Americans about the benefits of Medicare it still isn’t enough for them to fully understand what they have as far as medical coverage through the federal government.  Over the next year, through this biweekly article, we’re going to discuss the basics of and what is covered under Medicare.  But first let’s look at how Medicare started.

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     On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the bill, Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, which led to the establishment of Medicare.  The original bill included Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).  Today we know these 2 parts as “Original Medicare”.  In the beginning Medicare was created to provide health insurance to people 65 years of age and older, regardless of income or medical history.

     Over the past five decades changes have been made as to who qualifies for Medicare.  In addition to people over the age of 65 Medicare now covers people under the age of 65 who are permanently disabled and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months.  Also anyone at any age can receive Medicare if they have End Stage Renal Disease or ALS.    

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     Although Medicare provides medical coverage for those who qualify it is not 100% coverage!!  We often hear “once I go on Medicare my medical insurance worries are over.”  Medicare has deductibles and coinsurance that the Medicare beneficiary is responsible for unless the beneficiary has additional coverage to supplement Medicare.

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If you have questions regarding any aspect of Medicare or Medicare health plans feel free call us at Alabama Health Guidance (256-284-7249), stop by our office at 879 Florence Blvd (Four Lane Shopping Center) or email me at ikey@alabamahealthguidance.com.  Alabama Health Guidance is an independent insurance agency and is not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency.