Medicare

Medicare

It may seem as though Medicare has been around forever, but the health insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration only came into being in 1965. Originally created to provide coverage to people ages 65 and older, Congress extended coverage in 1972 to include younger individuals with permanent disabilities.

More than 64 million people now have coverage through the traditional Medicare program or through Medicare Advantage plans offered by private health insurance companies. Making decisions about coverage options can be challenging, but help is available from Kathleen L. Day, a knowledgeable and compassionate licensed insurance representative, at the Law Office of Kathleen L. Day in Corpus Christi.

Eligibility for Medicare benefits

To qualify for Social Security and Medicare benefits, you must have a work history at jobs or self-employment where you paid into the Social Security system through payroll or self-employment taxes on your earned income. If you do, the SSA enrolls you in the Medicare program when you turn 65 years of age.

Medicare Parts A and B

There are two parts to coverage through the federal Medicare program:

  • Medicare Part A provides hospital insurance and covers inpatient services provided at a hospital and, for a limited time period, at a skilled nursing facility. It does not pay for outpatient care, such as visits to a doctor's office.
  • Medicare Part B provides medical insurance that pays toward the cost of outpatient care, including office visits to healthcare providers.

If you are eligible for Social Security benefits, then you do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A, but there is a premium payable toward Part B coverage.

Learn about your Medicare options from a licensed insurance expert

Kathleen L. Day, a Corpus Christi attorney and licensed insurance representative, wants you to get the Medicare insurance coverage that works best for you whether it's original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare supplement. Let her show you the available options and help you find the right coverage at an affordable price.

Open enrollment ends on 12/7/21. Contact us today!