| President Lyndon Johnson signed the Social Security | | | | diagnostics, and the doctor's fees. Additionally, Part A |
| Act of 1965 into effect on July 30th of that year. Part | | | | also covers stays in skilled nursing facilities. This means |
| of the act included a special social insurance program | | | | that the nurses have to performed skilled tasks, not |
| that is meant for people ages 65 and older, although | | | | just "home care" such as cooking and cleaning for the |
| there are some exceptions so others can be eligible | | | | patients. Additionally, you must meet certain |
| as well. This special social insurance program is called | | | | requirements for this to apply, such as have a |
| Medicare. | | | | preceding hospital stay of at least three full days, need |
| Medicare is paid for by payroll taxes that are removed | | | | treatment for an ailment that was diagnosed in the |
| from your income due to the Federal Insurance | | | | hospital, and need treatment that requires professional |
| Contributions Act, or FICA, as well as a matching | | | | nurse supervision. |
| percentage of the wages as paid by the employer. As | | | | Part B of Medicare, or medical insurance, tends to help |
| mentioned above, typically only those aged 65 and | | | | with more outpatient needs than Part A. This includes |
| older can use Medicare, but some exceptions to this | | | | diagnostic testing that can be performed in a lab or |
| rule include those who are on continual dialysis for end | | | | physician's office, such as x-rays. Additionally, it covers |
| stage renal disease or in need of a kidney or those | | | | blood transfusions, outpatient treatments, certain |
| who have Lou Gherig's disease (ALS). | | | | severe drugs like chemotherapy, as well as prosthetics |
| Medicare's health insurance coverage includes four | | | | that you may require after an illness or surgery. |
| different parts: hospital coverage, medical insurance, | | | | Medicare Advantage plans, or Part C, gives you the |
| Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug coverage. | | | | option to receive your Medicare help via a private |
| When you are looking to withdraw support from your | | | | institution rather than public. While Medicare Advantage |
| Medicare, you can choose to use only one, a mix, or all | | | | plans can have their own prescription drug plan, a |
| of these options. Before you choose, though, you | | | | separate Plan D that is open to those who are eligible |
| should realize the different aspects of each area of | | | | for Plan A and Plan B can also help you with your |
| coverage. | | | | prescription drugs. |
| First, hospital coverage, often called Part A, covers | | | | If you need help in determining the Medicare coverage |
| inpatient hospitals stays of at least one night. This gives | | | | that is best for you, check out the Catherine Michaels |
| you the right to a semiprivate room, as well as food, | | | | Insurance Services today for more information. |