Question:  Where can I find information about Medicare for my grandma?

From:  Garrett B. of Ontario, NY

Answer:  You do not specify what specific Medicare information your grandmother needs.  Medicare is the government sponsored health insurance available to people 65 and older, people who are disabled and have been on Social Security Disability for 2 years, and people with End Stage Renal Disease and have had a kidney transplant or require dialysis.  Part A of Medicare provides coverage for inpatient hospitalization, skilled nursing facility, home care and hospice.  Part B provides coverage for physician services and outpatient care.  To learn more about the specific number of days covered, criteria that must be met to receive the coverage, annual deductibles, etc., you may access several websites and government agencies.  Your local social security office should have information available.  You may want to check into the Department of Health and Human Services website on Medicare by typing www.medicare.gov or www.cms.gov (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid).  Each site provides information on eligibility, covered services (and not covered services) and has many of the Frequently Asked Questions.