The World of Medicare - What to Know Right Now

Once you reach age 65, Medicare becomes your health insurance. What is Medicare, and what do you need to know as you approach 65?

Recommend This Page
The World of Medicare - What to Know Right Now
5 Min Read November 22nd, 2020

As we get older, the idea of retirement begins to creep into our minds. You may have noticed that you have been paying Medicare taxes your entire life. Medicare is the federal health insurance program best known for those age 65 and older.  

While primary for people who are older, there are three ways to access Medicare:

  • People who are 65 or older
  • Certain younger people with disabilities
  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

Despite paying taxes for Medicare, many people are unaware of how it works and what it covers. It's essential to understand the nuances of this insurance behemoth as you plan for retirement. Here's what you need to know about Medicare as you approach age 65.

Diversity of Plans

Medicare may sound like a monolithic entity, especially in matters of public policy. There are large deductibles, and most people also purchase a Medicare supplement to cover those deductibles. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have different rules and coverages. 

Medicare is divided into three major parts:

Medicare Part A 

Part A is your hospital insurance. It will cover your inpatient hospital stays, a limited amount of care in a skilled nursing facility, critical access hospitals, hospice care, and some limited in-home care.

Generally, there is no charge for Medicare Part A as long as you or your spouse have paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time while you were working. 

Medicare Part B 

Part B is akin to medical insurance. It covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Doctors must participate in the Medicare program to be covered. 

Part B covers both medically necessary services and preventive services (like flu shots). All the services and related supplies required to diagnose and treat your health issue are covered as long as it meets accepted standards of medical practice. 

Coverage includes ambulance services, durable medical equipment, and mental health services. 

You usually enroll in Part B at age 65; however, some people continue their employer's health coverage, which serves as their Part B until they retire. 

You pay a premium for your Part D that is based on your income. The premium is usually automatically deducted from your social security check, federal pension, or railroad retirement pension. Otherwise, you will receive a bill.

You can see what the federal government charges you for Part B by clicking here.

Medicare Part D – Drug Coverage

Part D is your optional prescription drug coverage. You can enroll in this program. Since the cost of prescription drugs can be very expensive, this could be essential coverage.

While Medicare drug coverage is optional, it is offered to everyone eligible for Medicare. If you decline coverage when you first enroll in Medicare and don't have other creditable prescription drug coverage (like from an employer or union), you may pay a late fee. 

Several insurance companies offer Part D coverage, and they have various costs and coverage options. The Medicare website can help you find the coverage you desire.

Medicare is Not Completely "Free"

Part A is 'free' if you had been working long enough to pay in the system. You must have worked at least 40 calendar quarters in any job where you paid Social Security taxes in the United States to qualify for Part A.

You will pay for your Part B, Part D (if you elect), and a Medicare supplement premium that pays for the deductibles. 

It would be best if you estimated these costs as it affects your retirement planning. If you know you'll still pay small premiums or prescription charges even under Medicare; you must shape your retirement portfolio with the appropriate budgeting.

Long-Term Care is Not Covered by Medicare or Supplements

Plus, understanding that long-term health care, which includes custodial care in-home or in an assisted living facility, memory care facility, and nursing home, is not covered outside a limited amount of skilled services, is important. 

You will either pay out-of-pocket for these services or your family will be placed into the role of being your caregiver.

Homebound Status: What is it and How Can it Help?

People who have difficulty leaving their homes without the help of other people may qualify for this important benefit. 

Those who have homebound status can obtain some forms of care and financial assistance from Medicare. Qualification does consider financial assets or military history. But having a homebound status can decrease the burden on family members.

You can learn more and discover if you or a loved one qualify for homebound status

Medicare Supplements

Medicare Supplements will pay for the copayments, coinsurance, and

deductibles that come with Medicare. Keep in mind that a Medicare supplement is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan. 

You purchase a supplement directly from an insurance company. If you have a spouse, each of you will need your own supplement coverage. These policies are standardized by law. Medicare supplements are guaranteed renewable no matter what changes you may have with your health or how old you get. The insurance company cannot cancel your policy as long as you pay the premium. 

You do not have to purchase Part D and your supplement from the same insurance company. Even if you do, they are separate policies and would be billed separately. 

The Medicare website - www.medicare.gov is a great place to start your research. You can also seek help from a Medicare professional to review your options.

However, be sure to speak with a Long-Term Care Insurance specialist in seeking help with long-term care. Generally, people purchase long-term care benefits in their 50s as opposed to waiting to age 65. 

Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten and not guaranteed like Medicare. This means to need to start researching long-term care when you are younger and enjoy better health. Premiums are also based on your initial age when you apply for coverage. Long-Term Care Insurance is also guaranteed renewable for life.

Recommend This Page

About the Author

Mallory Knee is a freelance writer for multiple online publications where she can showcase her affinity for all things beauty and fashion. She particularly enjoys writing for communities of passionate women who come together for a shared interest and empower one another in the process. In her free time, you can find Mallory trying a fun new dinner recipe, practicing calligraphy, or hanging out with her family.

LTC News Contributor Mallory Knee

Mallory Knee

Contributor since September 25th, 2020

Editor's Note

LTC NEWS offers man tools and resources to help you research the financial costs and burdens of aging so you can find an affordable solution. 

Tools for Research

Find all the resources on LTC NEWS by clicking here.

One of the best tools is the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator. You can find the current and future cost of long-term health care where you live. This information will help you design an appropriate LTC Insurance policy.

Get Published on LTC NEWS

LTC NEWS offers many resources to help families address the consequences of long-term care, aging, health, caregiving, and other retirement issues. You can be part of the effort to help educate consumers throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Write a story for publication on LTC NEWS and let America hear what you have to say. Be sure your article fits the LTC NEWS target audience of adults 40-70.

Topics can include stories on:

  • Aging
  • Caregiving
  • Health
  • Long-Term Care
  • Retirement Planning

There are numerous other related topics, as well. You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. It must have editorial content exclusive for LTC NEWS and cannot be just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.

Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com or click here

Advertising and Marketing Opportunities on LTC NEWS

Reach an educated audience. Readers of LTC NEWS are researching retirement issues, including aging, health, caregiving, and long-term care. Other readers seek information for a parent or other loved one who is experiencing declining health or aging issues and require extended care.   

Many marketing opportunities are available, including sponsored content articles. Sponsored content offers you a long-form way to sell yourself, your company, and your ideas.

Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business - click here.

LTC News Trusted & Verified

Work With a Trusted Specialist

Get Accurate Long-Term Care Insurance Quotes

  • Has substantial experience in Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Strong understanding of underwriting, policy design, and claims experience
  • Represents all or most of all the leading insurance companies
man and woman sitting at desk
Latest
  • Latest

  • Oldest

Everything
  • Homecare

  • Health

  • Government

  • Care Facilities

  • Pets

  • People

  • Lifestyle

  • Insurance

No Results

Step 1 of 4

Find a Specialist

Get Started Today

Trusted & Verified Specialists

Work with a trusted Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist Today

  • Has substantial experience in Long-Term Care Insurance
  • A strong understanding of underwriting, policy design, and claims experience
  • Represents all or most of all the leading insurance companies

LTC News Trusted & Verified

Compare Insurers

+