If you have worked hard all your life and paid your taxes, and look forward to a secure old age where you don’t have to worry about your medical costs, then the federal government has a safety net for you. The government has been saving a part of your taxes for you for years and you can now benefit from them. This article looks briefly at some of the questions that you may have about the Medicare program. Your family lawyer will tell you more.
What is Medicare?
It is a social insurance benefit that the federal government provides to its senior citizens. This is not to be confused with Medicaid, which is a social security program mostly for people with limited incomes.
How is Medicare financed?
You may have been paying taxes dedicated to Medicare during your working life. That is what goes on to finance your social insurance. If you have not, however, then you can still qualify for aid by paying a monthly premium to the government.
Am I eligible?
If you are 65 and above, you are. Or if you are below 65 and disabled, you can claim it. There are special medical cases that can make you eligible for Medicare as well. You must be a legal resident of the US for at least five years, as well, before you can qualify.
What documents do I need to qualify?
Along with the many-page application form, you will have to submit a proof or your financial transactions. These will have to be documents of transactions you may have made in the 60 months before your date of application. The documents can include details of your income and expenses, your banking details, proof of any stocks and bonds that you may have invested in.
What is covered in my Medicare plan?
There are 4 categories of benefit plans under Medicare. Part A covers hospital insurance for overnight hospital stays. Part B deals with tests and nursing costs, medication prescribed during an office visit and even medical equipment such as canes, wheelchairs etc. Part C, known as the Medicare Advantage plan, lets beneficiaries combine their Medicare plans with other private health plans. Part D covers prescription drugs.
Will my nursing home costs be covered?
Medicare will completely pay for the first 20 days of your stay at a nursing home. If you need to stay longer, you will need to supplement 20% of the payment with other benefit plans or find other funding options.
These are only some of the questions to ask your family lawyer Lubbock TX has professionals who have the sufficient knowledge to help you decide if you qualify for Medicare. Remember that applying too early can make you ineligible, and hospital nurses and doctors may not be aware of the eligibility criteria. It is always best to consult a legal advisor to make sure that you go about getting aid the right way.
The Kyra K. Blankenship Attorney will help you in the family law types of cases.
