Medicare Cheat Sheet for Therapist
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I definitely did not learn about social services programs in grad school and the verbiage surrounding Medicare can be confusing. But with an ever-aging population, understanding the different parts of Medicare and what it provides (also what it doesn't provide) can better help you and your clients understand their options.
So here is a breakdown of the four parts of Medicare and what they provide:
Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility after hospitalization, and hospice. Some part A benefits also cover home health care. Part A is free as long as you (or your spouse) paid into Medicare payroll taxes for at least 10 years.
Medicare Part B: Covers outpatient services such as routine doctors visits or specialists.
Medicare Part C: Also called Medicare Advantage in some states, provides health care coverage through private insurance companies. It covers the same things as parts A and B but may include additional benefits such as hearing, vision, dental and prescription drug benefits.
Medicare Part D: Covers prescription drugs.
What Medicare Doesn't Cover
Its important to understand what Medicare doesn't cover as well.
I hope you can find this information useful!
Source: The Essential Retirement Guide