IMPORTANT INFORMATION

REGARDING MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS


2008 MEDICARE PART A

Part A is Hospital insurace and covers costs associated with confinement
in a hospital or skilled nursng facility
When you are hospitilized for:
Medicare covers
You pay
1-60 Days Most confinement costs after the required Medicare Deductible $1,024.00 Deductible
61-90 Days All eligible expenses after the patient pays a per day co-payment $256 a day co-payment as much as $7,680
91-150 days All eligible expenses, after patient pays a per-day co-payment. (These are Lifetime Reserve Days which may never be used again.) $512 a day co-payment as much as $30,720
151 days or more Nothing You pay all costs
Skilled Nursing Confinement: When you are hospitalized for at least 3 days and enter a Medicare approved skilled nursing facility within 30 days after hospital discharge and are receiving skilled nursing care All eligible expenses for the first 20 days; then all eligible expenses for 21-100, after patient pays a per day copayment After 20 days, $128.00 a day co-payment as much as $10,240





2008 MEDICARE PART B

Part B monthly premium=$96.40*
Part B is Medical insurance and covers physician services,
outpatient care, test and supplies
On expenses incurred for:
Medicare covers
You pay $135 annual deductible PLUS
Medical Expenses
Physical services, inpatient, outpatient, medical/surgical services, physical/speech therapy, diagnostic tests
80% of approved amount 20 % of approved amount
Clinical Laboratory Services
blood tests, urinalysis
Generally 100% of approved amount Nothing for services
Home Health Care
Part-time of intermittent skilled care, home health aide services, durable medical supplies and other services
100% of approved amount for durable medical equipment Nothing for services; 20 % of approved amount for durable medical equipment
Outpatient Hospital Treatment
Services for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury
Medicare payment to hospital based on hospital costs 20% of billed amount
Blood After first 3 pints of blood, 80% of approved amount First 3 pints plus 20% of approved amount for additional pints

On all Medicare-covered expenses, a doctor or other health care provider may agree to accept Medicare "assignment". This means the patient will not be required to pay any expense in excess of Medicare's "approved" charge. The patent pays only 20% of the "approved" charge not paid by Medicare.
Physicians who do not accept assignment of a Medicare claim are limited as to the amount they can charge for covered services.
*If your income is above $82,000 (single) or $164,000 (married couple), then your Medicare Part B premium may be higher that $96.40 per month.