Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people - age 65 and older - under age 65 with certain disabilities who have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for a certain amount of time (24 months in most cases) - of any age who have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), which is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant. age 65 and older under age 65 with certain disabilities who have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for a certain amount of time (24 months in most cases) of any age who have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), which is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant. Medicare helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It helps cover medical services such as doctor's services, outpatient care and other medical services that Part A doesn't cover. Part B also covers some preventive services, such as flu shots and diabetes screening, to help you maintain your health and to keep certain illnesses from getting worse. Enrollment in Part B is optional, and most people who choose it must pay a monthly fee, or premium. There may be a late enrollment penalty for Part B if the person doesn't join when he or she is first eligible. For important information about Part B, visit http://www.medicare.gov to view or print copies of "Your Medicare Benefits" or "Medicare & You." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.") You can also contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) which gives free health insurance counseling and guidance to people with Medicare -- or to family and friends who have authorization to help someone with Medicare questions. To get the most up-to-date telephone numbers, call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) or visit http://www.medicare.gov. (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.) Under "Search Tools," select "Find Helpful Phone Numbers and Websites." To sign up for Medicare Part B, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778. If you are getting benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, call your local RRB office or 1-800-808-0772.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes known as Medicare Part C, are plans people can join to get their Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans are available in many areas of the country, and a person who joins one of these plans will get all Medicare-covered benefits. These plans cover hospital costs (Part A), medical costs (Part B), and sometimes prescription drug costs (Part D). Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Medicare Advantage Plans are managed by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, a person must have Medicare Part A and Part B and must pay the monthly Medicare Part B premium to Medicare. In addition, it might be necessary to pay a monthly premium to the Medicare Advantage Plan for the extra benefits that they offer. In most of these plans, there are generally extra benefits and lower co-payments than in Original Medicare. (See Question #6 for information about Original Medicare.) However, a person may have to see doctors that belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get services. A person can switch plans each year in the fall if desired. To find out what Medicare Advantage Plans are available in your area, visit http://www.medicare.gov and choose the link Compare Health Plans and Medigap Policies in Your Area to use the Medicare Options Compare tool, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Medicare Part D helps pay for medications that a doctor may prescribe. This coverage may help lower prescription drug costs. Medicare drug plans are run by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. A person who joins Original Medicare and who wants prescription drug coverage will need to choose and sign up for a Medicare Prescription Drug plan (PDP). A person who joins one of the Medicare Advantage Plans will automatically receive prescription drug coverage through that plan if it's offered, usually for an extra cost. For more information about Medicare Part D, visit http://www.medicare.gov to get free copies of "Your Guide to Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage" and "Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.") You may also call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Original Medicare is managed by the Federal government and lets people with Medicare go to any doctor, hospital or other health care provider who accepts Medicare. It is a fee-for-service plan, meaning that the person with Medicare usually pays a fee for each service. Medicare pays its share of an approved amount up to certain limits, and the person with Medicare pays the rest. People in Original Medicare must choose and join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan if they want to get Medicare prescription drug coverage. For more information about Original Medicare, visit http://www.medicare.gov for a free copy of "Your Medicare Benefits." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.")
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: People who choose Original Medicare may wish to consider Medigap, a type of Medicare supplement insurance. Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies to fill gaps in Original Medicare Plan coverage, such as out-of-pocket costs for Medicare co-insurance and deductibles, or for services not covered by Medicare. A Medigap policy only works with Original Medicare. A person who joins a Medicare Advantage Plan generally doesn't need (and can't use) a Medigap policy. For more information about Medigap policies, visit http://www.medicare.gov to view a copy of "Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.") You can also call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Some people think that Medicare and Medicaid are the same. Actually, they are two different programs. Medicaid is a state-run program that provides hospital and medical coverage for people with low income and little or no resources. Each state has its own rules about who is eligible and what is covered under Medicaid. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. If you have questions about Medicaid, you can call your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office for more information. Visit http://www.medicare.gov on the web. (Under "Search Tools," select "Find Helpful Phone Numbers and Websites.") Or, call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) to get the telephone number. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Home health care is short-term skilled care at home after hospitalization or for the treatment of an illness or injury. Home health agencies provide home care services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social work, and care by home health aides. Home health services may also include durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, and walkers, and medical supplies for use at home.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Here are questions to ask when considering a home health agency. - Is the agency Medicare-approved? - How long has the agency served the community? - Does this agency provide the services my relative or friend needs? - How are emergencies handled? - Is the staff on duty around the clock? - How much do services and supplies cost? - Will agency staff be in regular contact with the doctor? Is the agency Medicare-approved? How long has the agency served the community? Does this agency provide the services my relative or friend needs? How are emergencies handled? Is the staff on duty around the clock? How much do services and supplies cost? Will agency staff be in regular contact with the doctor? You can use Medicare's "Home Health Compare" tool to compare home health agencies in your area. Visit http://www.medicare.gov. Under "Search Tools," select "Compare Home Health Agencies in Your Area."
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Here are some questions to ask when considering choosing a nursing home. You may want to make surprise visits at different times of the day to verify conditions. - Is the nursing home Medicare- or Medicaid-certified? - Does the nursing home have the level of care needed (such as skilled or custodial care) and is a bed available? - Does the nursing home have special services if needed in a separate unit (such as a ventilator or rehabilitation) and is a bed available? - Are residents clean, well groomed, and appropriately dressed for the season or time of day? - Is the nursing home free from strong, unpleasant odors? - Does the nursing home appear to be clean and well kept? - Does the nursing home conduct staff background checks? - Does the nursing home staff interact warmly and respectfully with home residents? - Does the nursing home meet cultural, religious, and language needs? - Are the nursing home and the current administrator licensed? Is the nursing home Medicare- or Medicaid-certified? Does the nursing home have the level of care needed (such as skilled or custodial care) and is a bed available? Does the nursing home have special services if needed in a separate unit (such as a ventilator or rehabilitation) and is a bed available? Are residents clean, well groomed, and appropriately dressed for the season or time of day? Is the nursing home free from strong, unpleasant odors? Does the nursing home appear to be clean and well kept? Does the nursing home conduct staff background checks? Does the nursing home staff interact warmly and respectfully with home residents? Does the nursing home meet cultural, religious, and language needs? Are the nursing home and the current administrator licensed?
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Medicare does cover skilled nursing care after a 3-day qualifying hospital stay. Skilled care is health care given when the person needs skilled nursing or rehabilitation staff to manage, observe, and evaluate his or her care. Care that can be given by non-professional staff isn't considered skilled care. Medicare does not cover custodial care or adult day care. For more information on Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility care, visit http://www.medicare.gov to look at or print a copy of the booklet "Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.") You can also call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) to find out if a free copy can be mailed to you. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: Hospice care is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill (dying) and helping their families cope. Hospice care includes treatment to relieve symptoms and keep the individual comfortable. The goal is to provide end-of-life care, not to cure the illness. Medical care, nursing care, social services, drugs for the terminal and related conditions, durable medical equipment, and other types of items and services can be a part of hospice care.
Source: NIHSeniorHealth

Question: What is (are) Medicare and Continuing Care ?
Answer: The general number for Medicare is 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. You can also visit http://www.medicare.gov. The "Medicare & You" handbook is mailed out to all Medicare enrollees in the fall. It includes detailed information about all aspects of Medicare. On the following pages you will find phone numbers, web addresses, and names of publications that provide detailed information about various aspects of Medicare. If a person needs to sign up for Medicare, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or go to http://www.ssa.gov to find out more. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, gives free health insurance counseling and guidance to people with Medicare -- or to family and friends who have authorization to help someone with Medicare questions. To get the most up-to-date SHIP telephone numbers, call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) or visit http://www.medicare.gov. (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.) Under "Search Tools," select "Find Helpful Phone Numbers and Websites." For information about enrolling in Medicare Part A or Part B, visit http://www.medicare.gov and view a copy of "Medicare & You." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.") Or, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. For information about Medicare prescription drug coverage, visit http://www.medicare.gov to get a free copy of "Your Guide to Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.") If you have questions about Medicaid, you can call your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office for more information. Visit http://www.medicare.gov on the web. (Under "Search Tools," select "Find Helpful Phone Numbers and Websites.") Or, call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) to get the telephone number. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. To find out about Medigap policies, visit http://www.medicare.gov to view a copy of "Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.") You can also call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. To find out about PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), which provides coverage for low-income, frail, older adults who get health care in the community, call your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office or visit PACE to find out if a person is eligible and if there is a PACE site nearby. Several states have State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAPs) that help people who qualify pay for prescription drugs. To find out about the SPAPs in your state, call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. For more information about the Medicare Summary Notice, including a sample MSN and information on how to read it, visit http://www.medicare.gov and select "Medicare Billing." Or call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) and say "Billing." TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. For information about appeals, visit http://www.medicare.gov to get a free copy of "Your Medicare Rights and Protections." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.") You can also call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) to find out if a free copy can be mailed to you. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. To find out if a patient is eligible for Medicare's home health care services, call the Regional Home Health Intermediary (RHHI). An RHHI is a private company that contracts with Medicare to pay bills and check on the quality of home health care. To contact an RHHI, or get local telephone numbers for your State Hospice Organization, call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) or visit http://www.medicare.gov. TTY users should 1-877-486-2048. To compare home health agencies in your area, you can use Medicare's "Home Health Compare" tool. Go to http://www.medicare.gov and under "Search Tools," select "Compare Home Health Agencies in Your Area." For more information on Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility care, visit http://www.medicare.gov to look at or print a copy of the booklet "Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care." (Under "Search Tools," select "Find a Medicare Publication.")
Source: NIHSeniorHealth