Health Care
Aging Well, Living Well Home > Health Care
Health Insurance
Health insurance is a formal agreement to provide and/or pay for medical care described in your health insurance policy. What is covered depends on the type of insurance you have. Read on for more on the different types of health insurance available to older adults.
Medicare
Medicare is the national health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people with permanent kidney failure. Medicare has three parts:
- Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, home health, and hospice services. Everyone over age 65 is entitled to Part A.
- Part B covers outpatient hospital, doctor visits, lab, and other services. Part B is a supplemental policy that must be purchased.
- Prescription drug coverage covers prescription drugs. Most people pay a monthly premium for this coverage.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income people who meet certain eligibility criteria. Medicaid is a state administered program, and each state sets its own guidelines for eligibility and services. For more information on Medicaid, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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