Medicare is a program that provides healthcare to those who are 65 years of age and older, as well as some who are under the age of 65 and on federal disability. This assistance can be a lifeline for people in New Hampshire who cannot pay for some or any of the medical care they need. However, Medicare does not provide support for all healthcare procedures, and it is essential that people know which procedures the program covers and which ones it does not.
The following are some guidelines regarding what to expect and not expect from Medicare.
Expect coverage to depend
As is the case with many insurances, the coverage that people receive from Medicare depends on which specific Medicare plan they opt into. Medicare Part A and Part B are two of the most common plans in which people enroll.
Part A covers hospital visits and hospice stays, while Part B helps to cover the cost of things such as outpatient care and medical equipment. Medicare Part C and Part D provide additional coverage for things such as eye exams and prescription medications.
Do not generally expect these items
There are some healthcare items that those enrolled in Medicare should generally expect to cover on their own or through another insurance plan. These include:
- Dentures and dental cleanings
- Hearing aids
- Cosmetic surgery
While Medicare can be very helpful, keep in mind that there are some things that it does not pay for.
When someone signs themselves or their parent up for Medicare, it is beneficial to know as much as they can about the program and the coverage each part provides.