Family caregivers and the senior loved ones they care for may find it difficult to figure out how the Medicare insurance program works. To help your loved one make the right decisions for his or her health, here are a few facts about Medicare.
Timing Is Crucial
It’s important your loved one signs up for Medicare at the right time, which falls within the three months leading up to the day he or she turns 65. If your loved one is late signing up for Medicare, he or she could face more expensive ongoing premiums. This is especially true for Part B premiums, which sometimes cover things like medical and home care services but not hospital services. The cost can rise approximately 10 percent for each year your loved one was eligible for Medicare and didn’t apply.
It Consists of Four Different Parts
The different parts of Medicare coverage your loved one selects can affect his or her benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, and much more. Part A helps cover hospital bills, Part B pays for outpatient services and doctor visits, Part C offers private insurance choices for temporary in-home care, Medicare HMOs, and various other services, and Part D can help pay for prescription drugs. Part A most likely won’t have a premium, but Part B often comes with an additional monthly fee and usually has a deductible.
Choosing the right Medicare plan isn’t the only age-related issue seniors may have to face. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust homecare professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she lives with an illness and performs the daily tasks of living.
It Only Covers Certain Costs
Seniors enrolled in Medicare should know they’re allowed one free wellness exam yearly and will most likely qualify for a few free preventive services, such as mammograms and flu shots. However, if a medical issue is discovered during your loved one’s wellness exam, the resulting costs may not be covered. Also, your loved one should be aware Medicare usually doesn’t cover the costs of hearing aids, dental care, or eyeglasses.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior home care. Fort Lauderdale families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
There’s Help to Pay Medicare Costs
Your loved one can purchase supplemental insurance called Medigap, which can help pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by his or her basic Medicare plan. If your loved one is in a lower income bracket, he or she may qualify for low-cost prescription drug coverage, state assistance with paying for Medicare Part B premiums, and help with various other medical expenses.
Regular medical attention is important for older adults, but doctors aren’t the only people who can help seniors remain healthy. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Fort Lauderdale, FL, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today at (754) 999-9490.
