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Medicare
For more information, see Medicare on MassResources.org.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a national health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain people under 65 with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure). Medicare is basic protection, and does not cover all medical expenses or most long-term care. Medicare includes Part A Hospital Insurance, Part B Medical Insurance, Part C Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D Prescription Drug coverage.
Am I eligible?
Most people age 65 or older are eligible for Medicare. You may also be eligible if you or your spouse worked in Medicare-covered employment and you are under 65 and disabled, or you have end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure). Your income and assets do not affect your eligibility. For more information, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048).
What benefits will I get?
Medicare is a basic health insurance program that pays only a portion of your health care costs. Part A Hospital Insurance includes inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, and home health care. Part B Medical Insurance includes doctors' fees, medical tests, and outpatient care. Most people who are eligible for Medicare get Part A for free, and pay a monthly premium for Part B. You must also pay deductibles and coinsurance.
How do I apply?
Many people are automatically enrolled in Medicare at age 65. Others must apply. Worcester residents can apply for Medicare at the Worcester Social Security Administration office. For the phone number, address, and hours, see Worcester Benefit Office Locations - Social Security Administration. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
How do I use my benefits?
Once you have been approved, Medicare will send you an enrollment package and your Medicare card. You must then decide if you want to keep Part B Medical Insurance, if you want to buy Medigap supplemental insurance, which Medicare health plan you want to use, and whether you want to enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan. For You must show your Medicare card whenever you go for health services. See Medicare Health Plans and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans on MassResources.org for more information about your choices.
More information
More information about Medicare is on our statewide web site, MassResources.org. When you click on the link below, you will go to MassResources.org. Click "Back" on your browser to return to WorcesterResources.org.
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