SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE BENEFITS

There have been many discussions regarding social security but just what social security means. The term social security pertains to the benefit payments provided to workers and their dependents who qualify as beneficiaries under the old-age survivors and disability insurance programs of the social security act. The social security replaces a portion of the earnings lost as a result of retirement, disability or death. The social security is designed to provide benefits that will be able to replace the greater percentage of earnings especially of lower-paid workers. The social security is truly a pro-poor program. One of the coverage offered by the social security is Medicare, which is a great help to the poor.

Medicare is the federal government’s hospital and medical insurance program especially designed for people age sixty-five and above. The Medicare benefits is not dependent on the social security that is why you may be able to get hold of your Medicare benefits even without your social security. Medicare also provides limited insurance benefits and therefore may no cover all medical expenses however, having a Medicare supplement is much better than not having it at all since it can provide extra medical protection for medical expenses that may not be covered. Medicare benefit is consists of a Part A and a Part B. The Part A is actually consists of basic hospital insurance plan and covers much of the cost of hospitalization including skilled nursing facilities and some other care in the hospital. On the other hand, the Part B of the Medicare benefits provides supplementary medical insurance that covers a part of the doctor’s fee and other medical expenses. People who are enrolled in Part B are obliged to pay a monthly premium. Moreover, Medicare is available at the beginning of the month in which a person reaches the age of sixty-five. People who have received social security disability benefits for two years are also eligible for Medicare.

In addition, Medicare also covers prescription drugs, wheelchairs as well as the cost of some certain medical supplies. An example of which is the partial coverage for glucose monitors and diabetic shoes for Medicare members who are suffering from diabetes. Aside from that, the Medicare Part A also covers a portion of the confined patient hospitalization for up to ninety days. Moreover, Medicare members may visit the Medicare web site for more information on the benefits provided by Medicare. The Medicare web site offers a convenient means of filing for claims as well as making follow-ups for claims less taxing.

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