Designed for seniors, Medicare is the largest health insurance program in the United States. More than 50 million American seniors receive benefits based on a number of program requirements and eligibility factors. Medicare is available to individuals who are 65 years or older, and some younger adults with disabilities. There are three parts to the Medicare program, which seniors in assisted living or memory care communities can use for their healthcare:
- Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient hospital care
- Medicare Part B: Focuses on outpatient hospital care and doctor visits
- Medicare Part D: Covers prescription drugs
Medicare Part A
Some refer to Medicare Part A as “hospital insurance.” Part A covers your loved one’s cost of placement in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospice care for a specified amount of time. It will not generally cover assisted living. However, there are some services that you might receive within an assisted living or memory care community that are covered under Medicare Part A. The services may include some preventive care costs, acute medical care in an emergency, physical and occupational therapy, medications, speech and language pathology services, medical supplies, medical equipment used at the community, dietary counseling, and ambulance transportation.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is similar to Part A, as it deals with preventive screening and treatments for the elderly. Coverage benefits can include an office visit to a doctor to test for a chronic condition, like diabetes or arthritis, cancer screenings, glaucoma tests, annual wellness visits, lab work or necessary x-rays, and immunizations like the annual flu or pneumonia vaccines. Some products, such as therapeutic shoes or blood sugar test strips, can fall under the cost of Part B.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for eligible individuals. Eligible seniors receiving care in an assisted living or memory care community, senior independent living community, or nursing home can get help with the cost of prescription drugs with Medicare Part D. Seniors enroll in Part D during annual open enrollment from October 15th through December 7th each year.
