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Finance > Tax Information > Medicare options
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What is Medicare?
Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for people 65 years
or older, certain people with disabilities, and people with permanent
kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant. Medicare has
two parts - Part A which is hospital insurance, and Part B which is medical insurance.
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Who is eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)?
If you have worked at least 10 years in Medicare covered employment you will qualify for premium free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). To qualify, you must be:
65 or older; or Disabled and receiving disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months; or
Have permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant
You should contact the Social Security Administration to file an application. Check the Helpful Contacts section of this web site for the phone number of the Social Security Office in your area.
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What medical supplies and equipment does Medicare Part B cover?
Medicare Part B helps pay for durable medical equipment such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, and other medically necessary equipment that your doctor prescribes to use in your home. Other items covered by Medicare include:
arm, leg, back and neck braces medical supplies such as ostomy pouches, surgical dressings, splints and casts
breast prostheses following a mastectomy one pair of eyeglasses with an intraocular lens after cataract surgery
Medicare pays for different kinds of durable medical equipment in different ways. Some equipment must be rented, other equipment must be purchased. Your Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier can provide more specific information. Check the Helpful Contacts section of this web site for the phone number for your Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier.
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What types of services are covered under Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient hospital care, blood, medical equipment and some home health services. It also pays for other medical services such as lab tests and physical and occupational therapy. Some preventive services such as mammograms and flu shots are also covered.
Medicare Part B does NOT cover routine physical exams; eye glasses; custodial care; dental care; dentures; routine foot care; hearing aids; orthopedic shoes; or cosmetic surgery. It also does not cover most prescription drugs or health care you get while traveling outside the United States (except under limited circumstances).
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