Question: Is Medicare really all it's hyped up to be?
From: Andrew L. of Cranbury, NJ
Answer: Your question is a broad one. Most people know that Medicare is federally funded and is available at age 65 or younger if disabled and on Social Security Disability for 2 years. What may not be as well known are the types of services covered by Medicare. The following is not an exclusive list of services covered by Medicare but will at least give you an idea of the benefits-inpatient hospitalization, inpatient skilled nursing services, physician coverage, outpatient surgery and therapy coverage, inpatient Hospice benefits, home health services at a skilled level, home Hospice services. Screening tests are also covered. As with any other insurance coverage, there are conditions to be met and limits on the amount of coverage (benefits are renewed if the patient is not an inpatient for at least 60 days). Many patients purchase Medigap insurance to supplement Medicare. Managed Care Medicare plans must provide the basic coverage available in traditional Medicare. More recently, Medicare prescription plans have arisen. Is it all it’s hyped up to be? It appears that the government intended to provide comprehensive coverage for its older and disabled population but also recognizes that ongoing improvements and changes will be necessary.
Ruthann Russo, PhD, JD, MPH, RHIT, is a healthcare expert with more than 20 years of experience working in and advising healthcare organizations.
