Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. It is also meant for individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. So registering for the program could help cover various healthcare costs if and when required. However, one could overlook key details when signing up for Medicare, and the amount they pay may exceed the benefits. So, here are a few common Medicare mistakes to avoid during enrollment: Not signing up on time Delaying signing up for Medicare can slow down the entire process. When approaching age 65, one should enroll during the initial enrollment period (IEP). The seven-month enrollment timeframe includes three months before one turns 65 and three months after. If one does not sign up during the IEP, they will get another opportunity to do so during Medicare’s annual general enrollment period (January 1 to March 31 each year). But given the late registration, the monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and other outpatient services, may cost more. So, those who sign up during the general enrollment period may incur a late fee. Not considering out-of-pocket costs Although Medicare usually covers a large portion of healthcare costs for those enrolled in the program, there are certain expenses that one might have to cover themselves.

Medicare is a government health insurance program that covers people over 65, some younger people with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease. It has four parts – Part A, which covers hospital insurance, nursing facilities, hospice, and in-home care; Part B, which covers doctor’s visits, outpatient care, medical equipment, home healthcare, and preventive screenings; Part C, which offers Medicare-approved plans by private companies, and Part D, which covers the cost of prescriptions. Due to the complex nature of federal policies, there are several things that we tend to skip. Learning about them can help you make better and more efficient policy use. So, here are the 12 things that fall under a Medicare coverage: Welcome to Medicare preventive visit Enrolling for Medicare makes you eligible for a ‘Welcome to Medicare’ preventive visit. Although essential, this service is often overlooked by many people. It is meant to allow you to meet with your primary care physician for an overall check-up, establish a baseline for your health, and create a health and wellness plan for the upcoming year. Here, you can discuss your medical history, examine your need for treatment, and formulate a plan for a healthier future. Yearly wellness visits In addition to a welcome visit, you also get annual wellness visits which are the opportunity to have a scheduled check-up and to talk to your healthcare provider about your yearly care plan.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people with certain disabilities and people over 65. Original Medicare has two main parts: Part A, which covers the cost of inpatient services, and Part B, which covers the cost of outpatient services and certain medical equipment. Although the program is meant to ease the financial burden of medical costs on people, it can be quite complex to navigate. This article explores 11 things that are excluded from Medicare coverage. 1. Medically unreasonable services and supplies Any services and supplies deemed unnecessary or unreasonable for diagnosis or treatment are not covered by Medicare. These may include: Services that could have been furnished at a lower-cost setting (such as at a nursing home) Services that exceed Medicare length of stay limitations Excessive therapy or diagnostic procedures Unrelated screenings, tests, examinations, or therapies (that the patient has no symptoms for) Unnecessary services based on patient diagnosis, such as transcendental meditation Exceptions to this rule include Medicare preventive services, transitional care management, chronic care management, and advance care planning. 2. Opticians and eye exams While Medicare covers ophthalmologic expenses (such as cataract surgery), it does not cover the cost of most vision services, including eyeglasses and contact lenses or routine examinations for prescription and fitting.