What Extra Benefits Does Medicare Offer?
Most senior citizens who are about to turn 65 know the basic coverages offered by Medicare. There may be extra benefits that Medicare offers. What are they?
The Medicare program is designed to help all senior citizens meets their health care needs during the retirement years. While some of the Medicare Parts require a premium payment and all Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans require that the seniors pay a premium, it goes without question that Medicare offers extra benefits for those who need them.
Who Qualifies for Extra Benefits from Medicare?
For those individuals with an income less than $16,245 in 2009 and with personal resources of less than $12, 510 Medicare has a program called Extra Help. Married couples earning less than $21,855 also qualify for Extra Help.
What Extra Benefits Does Medicare Offer?
The Extra Help benefits include help paying the premium for Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, help paying the deductible for Medicare Part D and also help with co-insurance and co-payments for prescription drugs.
Is There Another Extra Benefit that Medicare Offers?
For those who qualify for Extra Help there is no coverage gap in Medicare Part D. Most Medicare beneficiaries are familiar with the term “doughnut hole” that refers to the gap in prescription drug coverage. With Extra Help the Medicare beneficiary does not have to worry. There is no “doughnut hole.”
An Added Extra Benefit from Medicare
Many senior citizens do not enroll in some of the Medicare programs that require a premium because they believe they cannot meet the monthly obligations. For those people who qualify for Extra Help they may enroll in the Medicare prescription drug coverage programs or other programs for which they may be eligible at a later date beyond the open enrollment. For Extra Help recipients there is no penalty for late enrollment.
Related posts
- Am I Penalized If I Do Not Enroll In A Medicare Part D Plan?
- Do I Have Drug Coverage Through My Medicare Supplemental Plan?
- What is Medicare Drug Coverage?
- Who is Eligible For Medicare?
- Do I Need A Supplemental Insurance If I Qualify For Medicare?
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