Medicare Part B
And Part A
Learn what Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B has to offer before you decide to purchase a Medicare insurance supplement. It is especially important to understand the benefits offered by
Medicare Part B
in order to make the best decision
Government sponsored Medicare consist of Part A and Part B. Part A covers your primary hospital insurance while Part B covers your actual medical expenses.
Medicare Part A
This portion of Medicare covers your hospital stay for a maximum of 100 days. The first 20 days are paid in full and the remaining 80 days require a co-payment of approximately $130 per day. No co-payments or deductibles are covered through Part A or Part B.
Due to these limiting factors many people decide to purchase
medicare supplemental insurance
or a Medicare Advantage Plan. Both of these options can provide deductible coverage as well as extended stay coverage.
Feel free to visit our Medicare Supplemental Insurance page that discusses both of these options in more detail or continue reading to learn more about Part A and Part B.
It’s very important to understand that not all hospital stays are covered. You must meet the following criteria:
- Your hospital stay must be for three full days.
- The hospital care you receive must be for defined medical care. You must also receive care from trained medical personnel. You will not receive coverage for care that you receive from non-medical skilled hospital employees. Activities such as hygiene and cleaning are not covered.
- To receive compensation for a nursing home stay you must have been sent to the nursing home for a condition that was diagnosed during your initial hospital stay or examination.
Medicare Part B
Part B covers your medical services and medical devices. The 2008 standard premium for this service is $94.60.
The program uses “medical necessity” to determine if your expense is eligible to be compensated. The government defines “medical necessity” as what is reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the illness or injury.
While this may sound a bit vague don’t get too alarmed as your doctor and hospital can tell you which expenses are covered under this portion of Medicare.
The standard medical services covered are:
- x-rays
- blood transfusions
- outpatient procedures
- chemotherapy
- certain types of ambulance procedures
- laboratory tests
- organ transplants
- vaccinations
- renal dialysis
- medical treatments in a doctors office (not procedures administered in hospitals)
The medical devices covered are:
- medical equipment
- wheel chairs
- many types of mobility devices
- eyeglasses after cataract surgery
- artificial limbs
- breast prosthesis
- mastectomy
- canes
What is not covered:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic services
- Cosmetic surgery
- Custodial care
- Deductibles and co-payments
- Dental care
- Eye care
- Foot care
- Hearing aids
- Hearing tests
- Laboratory tests
- Long term care
- Orthopedic shoes
- Physical exams. Although you may be eligible for coverage on a onetime exam within the first six months of enrollment
- Prescription drugs
- Shots
- Syringes
- Travel
This is only a partial list of the expenses and services that are covered. The eligibility of services and expenses often change. Please visit
www.medicare.gov
for a complete up to date listing of Medicare Part B expenses.
Also be sure to check out our
medicare insurance page
if you are considering additional coverage options. We discuss the pros and cons of Medigap, Part C Medicare Advantage Plans, and Part D Pharmaceutical Plans. We can help you decide on the best Medicare supplemental insurance option.
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