Page 19 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2021 - 28-06

Senior Times - June 2021 Uncomplicating Medicare
Page 19
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Myths Can Be Costly
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
Medicare myths cause costly mistakes for seniors.
Nearly 60 million Americans use Medicare, but there’s still a lot of con- fusion about how the program works. Commonly repeated myths and miscon- ceptions can lead to costly mistakes for older adults.
To help your older adult get their essential health benefits, Daily Caring shares the truth behind five common myths about Medicare.
Myth 1: Medicare coverage is auto- matic once you turn 65.
Popular belief: Seniors don’t have to do anything; they’ll be covered by Medicare as soon as they turn 65.
Truth: Not everyone will be auto- matically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
which pays for Part A and B premi- ums. Most people have to pay a Part B monthly premium, except for those in the QMB program.
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If your older adult doesn’t get a Medicare card in the mail three months before their 65th birthday, they need to go and sign up for a Medicare health insurance plan.
Aside from the monthly premiums, seniors usually have to pay a co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible.
Myth 2: Older adults can enroll in Medicare anytime.
Popular belief: It doesn’t matter when older adults sign up for Medicare, they can do it anytime and everything will be the same.
Myth 4: Medicare pays for every- thing medical-related.
Truth: If older adults don’t enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period, they may have to pay higher premiums later.
it. Truth: Medicare Part A and B cover most hospital and medical expenses. Medicare Part C and D cover expenses and services not covered by Part A and B, like prescription drugs and other hospital fees. But even with all those different parts, older adults still have to pay doctor or facility fees that are not covered as well as medication co-pays.
Seniors are eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 and after they’ve worked for at least 10 years. The best time to enroll is during the Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before their 65th birthday month and goes until three months after their birthday month.
In general, diagnostic tests (like x-rays or CT scans), preventive care check-ups, most surgeries, and hospital stays are covered. Things like long term care, dental, and hearing aids aren’t covered.
Myth 3: Medicare is completely free.
Popular belief: Medicare is a gov- ernment benefit, so seniors don’t have to pay anything. They’ve already paid for it by paying taxes all those years.
Myth 5: Medicare & Medicaid are the same thing.
Truth: Even though Medicare is paid for by a tax-funded trust fund, people who have Medicare insurance coverage still have to pay monthly premiums and co-pays for services and prescription drugs.
Truth: Medicare and Medicaid are two separate programs. Medicare is for people 65 or older who have paid at least 10 years of social security. Medicaid is an insurance program for low-income people of all ages that is operated by each U.S. state.
Many people can qualify for free Part A premiums if they meet certain conditions. Others with low income may be eligible for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program,
Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid programs, but they have to apply for each program separately.
Popular belief: No matter what’s needed, as long as it’s related to health or medical care, Medicare will pay for
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SENIOR TIMES INFORMATION:
Publisher & Executive Editor: Sherii Sherban; Advertising Consultants: Pat Fosdick, Keith Sherban; Marketing / Administrative Asst: Christyn McCleary; Staff Photographer / Artist: Keith Sherban; Artist: Frederick DeRuiter; Publisher Emeritus: Richard DeRuiter
Senior Times of South Central Michigan is published twelve times per year by W.W. Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc. Senior Times is distributed free through our advertisers, area professional offices, and key points of interest throughout South Central Michigan. To be added to the distribution list contact Keith Sherban at extension 304.
Opinions expressed by writers in Senior Times are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of Senior Times or W.W. Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
Senior Times, 4642 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek MI 49015-9350. P- (269) 979-1479. Email: ssherban@scenepub.com. Website - www.scenepub.com
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Each year from October 15 to December 7 is the Open Enrollment Period. During this time, older adults can also renew, change, or enroll into healthcare and prescription drug plans.
To find out if a test or service is cov- ered you can ask your medical provider but it’s always a good idea to verify by going to www.medicare.gov/coverage. Once there, enter the test or service and click “Go” to search for it.
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306 S. Clay Street, Coldwater, MI  www.branchareatransit.com