A quick Medicare benefits overview:
Original Medicare requires an annual deductible, monthly payments to access Medicare Part B, and a 20% co-pay.
Part B covers any medical service that does not involve hospitalization: doctor visits, outpatient services, lab work, therapy, and medical equipment are included.
Advantage Part C rolls Part A and Part B together as an HMO, PPO, or private “pay-for-fee” insurance plan through private insurers.
Part D is a drug plan that covers 75% of prescription costs until a cap is met. At that point, the patient must pay 100% of all costs until he or she reaches a second cap. Once reached, the “hole” closes and coverage is reinstated.
Medigap is supplemental insurance. Benefits vary, but most cover deductibles and some pay for services not covered under original Medicare Part A.
Roswell, GA Elder Law Attorney
The Teiger Law Center will explain low-income assistance and MSPs (Medicare Savings Programs) available, and all parts of Georgia Medicare coverage from Part A to Part L. The options and requirements regarding Medicare can be confusing, but the Teiger Law Center can help with any legal advice regarding elder law.
It is important for you to understand that failing to apply for Medicare in a timely manner can be a costly mistake. Many people, especially those still working, mistakenly assume that their private insurer will continue coverage, not realizing that many private insurers reduce benefits once you are eligible for Medicare coverage even if you did not enroll. The initial enrollment period is the three months prior to your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday and three months following your 65th birthday. Not meeting this deadline causes a three-month delay of coverage.
Understanding, qualifying and applying for Alpharetta Medicare Benefits can be a confusing process. Knowing this, unscrupulous medical practitioners oftentimes violate Georgia law by requiring patients to waive their rights to Medicare benefits and making them pay privately for Medicare-covered services. Some try to “add on” by suing patients in small claims court for amounts above the 15 percent “limiting charge.” It is important to know your rights and how to appeal when those in the medical profession violate Georgia Medicare law.
Marietta Long-Term Care Planning Lawyer
For assistance with understanding and planning Medicare, Medicaid and special needs trusts, as well as other facets of long-term care planning, contact the Teiger Law Center in Cumming, Alpharetta, Marietta or Gainesville, GA.
