Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, some people under age 65 with disabilities, and people with end-state renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant). Medicare helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. Some individuals eligible for Medicare may also be eligible to receive Medicaid, a program administered at the state level. In our state, it is run by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Medicare has two parts - Part A, which is hospital insurance that helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care and hospice care, and Part B, which is medical insurance that helps pay for doctors' services and many other medical services and supplies that are not covered by hospital insurance.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the federal agency in charge of the Medicare program. However, the Social Security Administration determines entitlement to Medicare benefits and issues replacement Medicare cards.
The Medicare website can help answer questions you may have about Medicare coverage or services or you can call their toll free number at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). If you are having a specific problem with Medicare that you cannot resolve and need assistance, information on how to open a case file can be found on my assistance web page.
I hope the following resources will be helpful to you in your search for information. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact my office nearest you.
Medicare Basic Resources
Medicare Website
Helpful Contacts
Medicare Publications
Medicare Online Booklet (SSA)
Medicare Frequently Asked Questions
Social Security Medicare Frequently Asked Questions
Your Medicare Benefits
2005 Premium Cost Information
Medicare Eligibility
Requirements to Receive Medicare Benefits
Medicare Eligibility Tool
Medicare Card
About your Medicare Card
Replacing a Medicare Card
How to Report a Change of Address
Medicare Coverage/Services
Medicare Coverage Information
Medicare Participating Physician Directory
Medicare Supplier (Services/Products) Directory
Medicare Plan Choices
Medicare Plan Choices
Medicare Personal Plan Finder
What is Medigap (Supplemental Insurance)
Choosing a Medigap Policy
Prescription Drugs
Medicare Prescription Drug and Other Assistance Programs
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Card Eligibility
Medicare Prescription Drug and Improvement Modernization Act of 2003
Medicare Billing
How to File a Claim
Claims Forms and Instructions
Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)
Medicare Appeals
How to File an Appeal
Medicare Appeals Forms
Appeals of Local Coverage Determinations (LCD)
Preventative Care Services
Preventative Care Services Available with Medicare
Healthy Aging for Older Americans
NIH Senior Health
MedlinePlus Seniors' Health Issues Resources
Long-Term Care
Medicare Long-Term Care Information
Steps to Choosing Long-Term Care
Types of Long-Term Care
Paying for Long-Term Care
Medicare Nursing Home Compare
MedlinePlus Nursing Homes Resources
MedlinePlus Assisted Care Resources
Medicare Home Health Compare
MedlinePlus HomeCare Services Resources
MedlinePlus Caregivers Resources
MedlinePlus Alzheimers Caregivers Resources
Other Resources
Administration on Aging
BenefitsCheckup
Eldercare Locator-Community Assistance for Seniors
FirstGov for Seniors
MedlinePlus Medicare
MedlinePlus Financial Assistance