Medicare for People in the US
Medicare is the largest health insurance program in the US and it covers about forty million Americans. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS) look after Medicare which is basically a health insurance for people who are 65 years or older. Sometimes, in certain cases, younger people may also have access to Medicare.
Those who are disabled or are at the End-Stage of Renal disease which is a permanent kidney failure which needs to be treated with dialysis or kidney transplant are also eligible for Medicare even if they are not 65 years of age. You have to subscribe to Medicare as people over 65 are generally retired ones with limited financial access and Medicare certainly helps in assisting you to look after your health and take care of you if you are unwell.
Medicare services include emergency services like ambulance services when other modes of travel may be harmful for you, preventive services and body part transplants like heart, lung, kidney ,pancreas, cornea, bone marrow and others. Medicare includes X rays, MRI scans, CAT scans and some other diagnostic tests. Women can undergo Pap Tests, Pelvic exams, Breast exams under Medicare. Artificial limbs, artificial eyes are also provided where necessary.
Medicare does not include acupuncture, body sculpting measures, dental care, dentures, routine tests, vaccinations and certain screening tests. You have to go through the Medicare program to know which facilities are provided and which are not.
Two types of Medicare services are available for people in the US. Medicare A is a hospital insurance which covers hospital stay and experienced nursing care. Most people do not have to pay for Medicare A. Medicare B is for doctor’s charges, medicines etc and most people pay on a monthly basis. However there are certain services which are not covered in Medicare A. You are not eligible for a private room unless you really need it. You may not have TV and telephone access and your family members’ expenses will not be reimbursed. You will have to bring your own personal items like socks, razors and the like when you are admitted into a hospital as they are not part of Medicare A coverage. However it covers the inpatient care in hospitals and some home health care if you meet the conditions specified.
You will get semiprivate room, meals, and general nursing. Under this scheme you can get home nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical equipment like wheel chairs, oxygen, hospital beds and the like.
Medicare Part B is medical insurance which will help cover the doctor’s services, outpatient charges and some medical services which are not covered in Medicare Part A. Most people pay for Medicare Part B on a monthly basis. Doctor’s services are covered, specialized ones not the routine physical tests. You can get second surgical opinions, speech language therapy and others.