Medicare
Source: All information shown is taken from the Official Government Handbook entitled “Medicare and You”. This is just a summary – you should read the Official Government Handbook for full details and information on costs, choices and financial assistance. Please see our Terms of Use for using the information provided.
Who is Eligible for Medicare?
Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
Part A – Hospital Insurance:
- Part A covers short-term care in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility. Full coverage is provided for the first 20 days of care in a skilled nursing home and a portion of the costs for skilled nursing home care for days 21-100. During this period, the patient pays a daily coinsurance rate.
- Usually there is no premium if you paid in during your working life.
Part B – Medical Insurance:
- Part B covers medically-necessary services like doctors and outpatient care not covered by Part A such as laboratory tests, durable medical equipment and some preventative services. Routine foot care; eye or hearing exams; or immunizations for anything other than flu or pneumonia are not included.
- This is a supplemental program for which you pay a premium every month, as well as a deductible. After meeting the deductible, Part B pays 80 percent of the reasonable charges for covered services only.
- If you are eligible for Medicaid benefits, Medicaid will pay the Part B premium.
- Part B may pay for covered services you receive from your doctor while in a skilled nursing facility from the time of admission.
Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage:
- You may choose to join this program to help cover prescription drugs by paying a premium to private companies that work with Medicare.
- If you are receiving Medicaid benefits, you are automatically enrolled in a low-cost Part D plan.
- Deductibles and copayments will apply. You should comparison shop to see what best fits your needs.
How Do I Qualify for a Stay in a Skilled Nursing Home?
- You must have spent at least 3 consecutive days as a hospital inpatient and your admission to the nursing home must occur within 30 days of discharge from the hospital.
- Your doctor must order skilled nursing services at a Medicare-certified, skilled nursing home as a result of the same reason you were in hospital or a new problem that developed while in the hospital.
What Medicare Services are covered?
- Drugs furnished by the nursing home.
- Meals, including special diets.
- Medical supplies.
- Regular nursing services.
- Rehabilitation services.
- Semi-private room.
What Medicare Services are not covered?
- Private duty nurse.
- Private room plus amenities such as TV, phone, etc.
Links
Medicare Part A (Hospitalization) 
Easy to understand article on who is eligible for Part A, hospital coverage, short-term skilled nursing home coverage, hospice coverage, home care coverage and copayments under Part A.
Medicare Part B (Medical)
Easy to understand article on who is eligible for Part B, hospital coverage, short-term skilled nursing home coverage, hospice coverage, home care coverage and copayments under Part B.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drugs)
Easy to understand article on who is eligible for Part D, hospital coverage, short-term skilled nursing home coverage, hospice coverage, home care coverage and copayments under Part D.
Medicare General
U.S. government website. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help in English or Spanish. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Detailed information on costs, plan comparisons, prescription drugs, formularies, etc. Register to view claims, order forms and publications, check preventative care and more.
U.S. government website with the Official Medicare handbook 
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Low-Income Medicare Assistance
Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Information on low-income Medicare assistance, free counseling about choosing Medicare plans, buying a Medigap policy and your Medicare rights, including appeals. Call 1-800-452-4800.
Ohio State Senior Health Insurance Information Program website
Information on low-income Medicare assistance and counseling about choosing Medicare plans. Call 1-800-686-1578.