Medicare Part A
Monday, March 24, 2008

Most people age 65 and older are familiar with Medicare, but understanding this complex health insurance program can be confusing. In today’s 60 Second Housecall, Dr. Ken Davis tells us more about Medicare Part A.

Medicare covers people age 65 and older, and some disabled people under age 65. Medicare Part A is the hospital insurance that helps pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing home care, hospice services and some home health care. Most people get Part A automatically when they turn 65, and there is no monthly premium if the beneficiary or spouse paid Medicare taxes while they were working.

For a hospital stay, Medicare pays a fixed amount based on the primary diagnosis, no matter what the actual hospital charges are. Medicare recipients are only responsible for the deductibles and any co-pay. Medicare does not pay for long-term nursing home care. This is covered by your personal funds or you must seek Medicaid eligibility.

If you have questions about any aspects of Medicare, such as your rights under Medicare or about filing an appeal, call 1-800-MEDICARE or log on to www.medicare.gov.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.