TMc Digest: Medicare Demystified | Beaufort County Now | Medicare Demystified by Ronald Kahan, MD is available on Amazon.com. I am typing sentences from the book and have no advice to offer. | Medicare, Demystified, Ronald Kahan, Lyndon Johnson, Medicare Advantage, U.S. citizen, Medicare Part B, Canada

    Medicare Demystified by Ronald Kahan, MD is available on Amazon.com. I am typing sentences from the book and have no advice to offer.

    On July 30, 1965, Lyndon Johnson signed legislation that established Medicare and Medicaid. In 1997, an alternative to traditional Medicare was added. Known as Medicare Advantage, it allowed Medicare recipients to opt for insurance programs sold by private insurance companies. As a result, a prescription drug benefit was added. You must be 65 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the U.S. for five continuous years. All Medicare insurance policies are individual policies.

    Medicare Part A (inpatient care): Inpatient care in hospitals, some care in skilled nursing facilities after hospitalization. It does NOT cover doctor's fees, even in the hospital.

    Medicare Part B (doctors and outpatient care): Deductibles and copays.

    Medicare Part D (Prescription drug coverage): Part D plans are policies provided by private insurance companies.

    Medicare Supplemental Insurance Polices (Medigap Policy)

    Option #2: Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C):

    Be sure to sign up for Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period, since you can pay significant penalties for waiting and signing up later.

    Medicare provides no coverage whatever for custodial care (nursing homes).

    Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF): Part A covers up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility but only after a "three day minimum medically necessary hospital admission. A physician has certified that the SNF is required.

    Hospice Care: the patient is unlikely to live for more than six months.

    Home Health Services: Part A will cover certain specific services when provided by a Medicare-certified agency. A physician must certify that the individual is homebound and requires these services.

    Page 147: Case Manager at the hospital.

    The End of Digest

    This should be enough "trailer" for this book. Most chapters have Key Points Summary and it is easy to read.

    Several friends are in treatment for major medical problems and have no problem showing the bills. Drug companies want to pay for generics. You can legally by drugs in Canada but they are not FDA approved. My pharmacist says it is the same chemicals but when I received an order it was a different shape and color. Transportation is a big problem and keeps a caregiver busy.

    Conclusion: I will check the notes in this book before making any medical decisions.