| Our Federal government founded Medicare in | | | | they meet Medicare qualifications. |
| 1965 to be a safety net for older Americans who | | | | - Part B covers all other medical care up to 75%. |
| could no longer afford premium health care | | | | There is a monthly premium, currently set at |
| insurance. | | | | $96.40 (2009 figure). These services include out |
| You are eligible if you: | | | | of hospital physician services, outpatient services, |
| - have worked 10 years or more and paid Social | | | | physical therapy, mental health, ambulance and |
| Security taxes | | | | some medical equipment and supplies. Part B does |
| - are age 65 (if you are younger than 65 you can | | | | not cover prescription, routine checkups, hearing |
| qualify if you have certain disabilities or end-stage | | | | aids and other extras. The monthly premium is |
| renal disease) | | | | deducted from your social security check. You |
| - are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident | | | | must have Medicare Part A to get Part B. |
| The four parts of Medicare | | | | - Part C - also known as the "gap plan" - covers |
| Medicare comes in 4 parts: Part A, B, C and D. | | | | what Parts A and B don't, with one exception, |
| Very simply they cover these medical costs: | | | | prescriptions. |
| - Part A covers hospital benefits up to around | | | | - Part D is Medicare that covers your |
| 75% of medical costs. Hospital benefits include | | | | prescriptions, finally. The best way to find the |
| medicare-certified hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, | | | | most cost effective Part D plan is for you to go |
| hospice care and some other home healthcare | | | | to your local pharmacist. He or she will be able to |
| agencies. Most do not have to pay for Part A if | | | | check what plans they have for you. |