Hello:

I see ads on TV for insurance that costs the same as medicare. I didn't know medicare costs anything. Does it? How much? Why?

excon

Hi Excon, and Merry Christmas:

Here is a little bit of info about Part A & B Medicare. I do not believe you have to pay for part A (which just covers hospitalization) but you do have to pay for B. It comes out of the Senior citizens Social Security checks (nice huh? )

I also included the web site for SSA in reference to medicare. Why do our elderly have to pay?. Please don't get me started. Oh boy.

Anyway, hope this helps. Now I am going to fall flat on my face... I am Christmased out!!

Happy reading. (by the way, this subject is near and dear to my heart as finding the best insurance for my loved ones, was a nightmare, just so someone would give them the care they needed and deserved. Sorry if I am rambling :(... Just so tired!

Merry Christmas again Excon, and goodnight.

Allheart
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PART A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A Medicare pays for:

hospitalization;
skilled nursing;
home health (following a hospital stay); and
hospice care.
Part A does not include custodial or long-term care. An individual is responsible for paying a deductible of $952 (in 2006).



PART B (Medical Insurance)
Part B Medicare pays for:

doctors' services;
outpatient hospital care;
lab tests and x-rays;
medical supplies and equipment;
ambulance services;
some preventive care services;
outpatient physical, speech, and occupational therapy; and
some home health care (not covered under Part A).
Part B does not include custodial or long-term care. Individuals are responsible for paying an annual deductible of $124 (in 2006).

This web site speaks on the monthly premium cost for part B

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1557


This web site also speaks to the coverage of Medicare


http://www.medicare.gov/Coverage/Home.asp

Yes, I believe the new adds are for what is known as a "manged care" plan.

There have been many companies that did these programs for long time.
They are like a HMO, where the plan controls what doctors you can use, they have to OK a lot of treatment before you have it, and they have a suppliers list you have to get supplies from.

I have normally not liked them since my company has not been on any approved list for them before, so those customers could not buy from us.

So while they do offer more coverage, like this one on TV advertises drug coverage which costs about 30 dollars a month extra in what is called part D now. I would guess but don't know you are giving up other choices on service somewhere