If you have reached the 65-year mark of your age, then the chances are high that you have encountered offers from several health organizations for insurance, each claiming that they are the best. Let’s take a look at Medicare, in particular. The Medicare scheme dates back to 1965. It came up under the presidency of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Medicare completely changed the face of healthcare across America. Before the enforcement of Medicare, a whopping 56% of U.S. citizens older than any health insurance did not cover 65-years-old. Naturally, those who didn’t have such coverage faced medical debt and great financial hardship in the event of major medical treatments or accidents, emergency medical services, etc.
The Myths and Misconceptions of Medicare
Despite Medicare being around for over five decades, there are still several misconceptions and myths that hover around this healthcare tool. In this article, we aim to dispel a few of them and give you peace of mind.
Anytime Enrollment
The common belief is that citizens may enroll for Medicare at any time. This is not true. The Medicare enrollment period opens up for seven months, beginning three months before a citizen’s 65th birthday. The enrollment period continues for the month of their birthday as well as three months after their 65th birthday. However, there is a special enrollment. Should a citizen not qualify for special enrollment, they ill have to wait for this seven month enrollment period or the yearly enrollment period between January 1st and March 31st.
Prescription Drugs Aren’t Covered
There are many stories about the aged Medicare members battling to pay for their prescription medication. There are stories about people with Medicare who had to give up their prescription medications altogether as they cannot afford to pay for them out of their pockets.
Let’s begin busting this myth by mentioning that Part A and Part B of Medicare, that is, Original Medicare, does only cover basic drugs, which is a limited number of outpatients medication under limited conditions. However, there is a Part D to Medicare which is specifically for prescription medication coverage. The establishment of Part D dates back to 2003, and yet the misconception persists. Ensure that the plan you choose covers all the prescription meds that you require, and there should be no problem.
Medicare covers Home Care and Assisted Living
Unfortunately, this is not true. Medicare does not cover home care assistance. Home care assistance includes, but is not limited to, assistance for daily tasks like eating, housekeeping, dressing, bathing, and all other elements of custodial care. However, Medicare does cover some nursing home care and skilled nursing facility services, so long as they are not for exclusive custodial care.
Some healthcare services are also covered, like intermittent skilled nursing care, speech-language pathology services, and physical therapy. You will have to read carefully through the Medicare information to understand what it covers fully.
Medicare and Medicaid are the Same Things
Yes, the names do sound similar. However, these are two completely different programs. Medicare is a healthcare coverage program for people over the age of 65 and for those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and other conditions. Medicaid is a healthcare coverage program that caters to people with low incomes and few resources. There are indeed people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. But you will have to apply for each of these programs separately.
The Affordable Care Act Cut Medicare Drastically
This is not true. The Affordable Care Act has accomplished quite the opposite. Thanks to the enforcement of this Act, cuts to Medicare benefits are prohibited. The Act further reduces fraudulent activity, and waste and cuts cost by ensuring that seniors enjoy preventative care services and controls the price of provider payments. These are all benefits to members of the Medicare healthcare coverage programs.
President Johnson developed Medicare on the belief that every citizen was deserving of access to medical treatment and healthcare services. Medicare continues to improve the lives of millions of U.S. citizens, even today. It improves their longevity and quality of life by bettering their health. But it is important to make sure everyone knows of the benefits it has to offer and shatter those myths. So, read, know, and pass on the knowledge!