Resources, Advice, and Information About Medicare and Medicaid
By Michael Bihari, About.com Guide to Health Insurance
Medicare and Medicaid are government-sponsored programs designed to provide health coverage to vulnerable populations, including Americans aged 65 and older, as well as the poor. Learn more about these programs, including eligibility requirements and available benefits.
Medicare: The Nuts and Bolts
Medicare is a federal government program that provides health insurance for people age 65 and older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. The Medicare program is made up of several "parts" that offer various benefits, including hospital insurance, medical insurance for doctors' services, and prescription drug coverage. Find out more about Medicare and its "parts" so you can make the most of your benefit.
Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
In January 2006, the federal government put into operation Medicare Part D – a voluntary prescription medication program for all Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Part D allows people over aged 65 to choose from a number of drug plans that must offer a set of basic prescription services. The number of plans available and the Medicare rules for these plans may be confusing making it difficult for you to know which plan to choose.
- How to Enroll in a Medicare Part D Drug Plan
- Get Help Choosing a Part D Drug Plan
- Understanding the Part D Donut Hole
- Lower Your Drug Costs in the Donut Hole
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint effort by federal and state governments to provide health coverage to the poor and indigent. Each state has different Medicaid eligibility requirements, but as a general rule, children and pregnant women are given priority. Here are some resources to help you learn more about Medicaid, including whether you might be eligible.
