Three Major Medicare Myths

Myth #1: Medicare is free.

If only this were true! Medicare is not free. Just like other health insurance plans, people on Medicare may pay premiums, deductibles, co pays and coinsurance out of pocket. What each person pays will vary, depending on their specific Medicare plan, coverage and how it’s used.

Myth #2: Medicare covers everything.

Medicare covers a lot, but not everything. For example, Medicare does not cover:
-         Long-term care
-         Home health care, unless you meet very specific requirements.
-         Regular dental, vision or hearing care
       
In addition, Medicare will not help with the cost of personal care such as help bathing, dressing, eating or using the bathroom.

It’s also important to know that most prescription drugs are not covered under Medicare Part A or Part B. If you want drug coverage, you need to buy a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that includes drug coverage. These plans are offered by private companies that are approved by Medicare.

Myth #3: Medicare and Medicaid are the same.

 

While both Medicare and Medicaid are government programs and both programs help people pay for health care, that’s where the similarities end.

Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources and is governed by the states.

For more information or a refresher to bring you up to date on the latest Medicare information, please join me for one of my upcoming “Getting Started with Medicare” classes.  I’ll cover all the basics. These classes are educational only and no plan specific benefits or details will be shared.

Call to register for one of these upcoming classes:

Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Andover Library
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
142 W. Main St.
Andover, OH 44003
440-293-6792

Monday, September 23, 2013

Willoughby Library
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
30 Public Square
Willoughby, OH 44094
440-942-3200 x3

Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Concord Community Center
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
7671 Auburn Road
Concord, OH 44077
440-6394650 – contact location for fee information

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Chagrin Falls Community Education
Class Location:  Chagrin Falls Middle School Library
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
342 E. Washington
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
440-274-5375 – contact location for fee information

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Mentor Senior Center
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
8484 Munson Rd.
Mentor, OH 44060
440-255-5700