OurSeniors.net’s core mission is to look out for the interests of seniors in every way possible. One of the most important interests seniors have is the Medicare system, and OurSeniors.net will do its very best to keep you informed about it.
‘Medicare’ is a very large and complex topic, and it cannot be thoroughly discussed in one brief article. Over the coming months, OurSeniors.net will publish a series of ‘bite-size’ articles, each of which will address a topic like “Medicare Part A,” “Medicare Part B” or “Medigap Versus Medicare Advantage Plans.” Hopefully, these small, bite-size pieces will help you to understand the whole system and make better choices for yourself or your senior loved one.
Saying that Medicare is a “very large and complex topic” is an understatement. Numerous books have been written about this subject, and all seniors would do well to find and read a good one. Much of the material that OurSeniors.net will summarize in future articles comes from a book titled, “Medicare Demystified: A Physician Helps Save You Time, Money, and Frustration” by Dr. Ronald Kahan, MD.
It is essential that every senior understand Medicare and what it means to them personally. Dr. Kahan’s book does a great job of untangling and “demystifying” the Medicare system, a structure that is far more complicated than we would like it to be. You can find the book by clicking its link above. It is available in both online and printed editions.
***Here Is Some “FLASH NEWS” about Medicare and You***
New Medicare Cards are coming in 2018. Your new card will come automatically to you. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. If you need to update your address, visit your mySocial Security account.
- The new card will NOT use your Social Security number to identify you. It will have a new Medicare Number instead of your Social Security number. This will help to protect your identity. There is no change in your Medicare coverage or benefits; they will stay the same, only your identifying number will be changed.
- Doctors, other health care providers and facilities know the new cards are coming and will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care. Carry it with you when you visit your doctor or other care provider. Give your new Medicare Number only to people who need it to work with Medicare- doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or other people you trust.
- Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy the old one and start using your new card right away. Very large mailings take time, so your new card may arrive at a different time than your spouse, friend or neighbor.
- If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare. You should still keep and use it whenever you need care. If you have a Medicare drug plan, be sure to keep that card as well. Even if you use one of these other cards, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so keep it with you.
- If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.
It is hard to overestimate the importance of the Medicare program to seniors. Medicare is the backbone of the medical care system for seniors, and it has an enormous value to all of them. Our first bite-sized look at Medicare will be the famous ‘Part A’ that covers hospital expenses. Part A coverage is free to all Medicare recipients (the premium deducted from Social Security benefits pays for Part B).
Just to emphasize the importance of Medicare, take this 1 question test –
A few people are eligible to buy Part A coverage before they are eligible for regular Medicare at age 65 (we will explain this later). How much would Part A coverage cost yearly if you had to purchase it using out-of-pocket money? Do you think it would be (A) $2,064 per year, (B) $3,064 per year, (C) $4,064 per year or (D) $5,064?
The answer is D, $5,064 per year! That is the out-of-pocket cost ($422 per month) if you are eligible for Medicare, Part A insurance before age 65 (few people are) and have paid Medicare taxes for less than seven and a half years! Many seniors would not be able to afford this cost, even if they could find a willing insurer. That is how important Medicare is to OurSeniors.net and to you!
We hope you will allow OurSeniors.net to keep you informed and educated about this important topic. One of our functions as an all-things-senior directory is to alert seniors to news that directly affects them (like new Medicare cards). Please use our resources whenever you search for senior-friendly products, personal or professional services and businesses that have a special calling for serving seniors. OurSeniors.net, can help you find the best:
- Senior Home Care
- Senior Assisted Living
- In-Home Senior Care
- Florida Attorney
- Florida CPA
- Memory Care Living
- Retirement Communities in Florida
- Financial Advice for Seniors
- Active Senior Communities
- Senior Real Estate Specialist
You can contact an OurSeniors.net Advisor by phone at 866-333-2657 (se habla Español), or by using Contact Us. Check out our website at OurSeniors.net and take an online look at our senior living magazine, OurSeniors.net Magazine.
