Washington Medicare

Washington Medicare is a government sponsored program where services to the aged and helpless are offered. The total number of Medicare recipients in Washington numbers almost a million. Medicare's many benefits include hospital care and limited home health care. Some plans even offer dental services, eye treatments, home therapy, nursing home care, drugs and much more.

Medicare's Four Components

Medicare is divided into four parts:

• Medicare A - This insurance benefit is eligible to recipients who are 65 years of age and above. Part A covers the patients' hospital care and also offers a set number of days at a nursing facility, hospice, or home care. When enrolling for this program the recipient has to pay a deductible.

• Medicare B - This part pays for the doctors' or physicians' visits and home care of the recipient. It also covers the occupational therapy and the physical therapy of the recipient. Medicare Part B offers coverage that Medicare A doesn't. To be eligible you have to be 65 years of age or above and to get enrolled in Medicare part B a deduction first is not required.

• Medicare C - This Part of Medicare is from the Private insurers. This Medicare replaces Medicare A and Medicare B and offers more services and benefits than the other parts. Medicare Part C provides you options from which to choose, including many Health Maintenance Organizations or Preferred Private Organizations that are broadly under the provisions of a Medicare Part C.

• Medicare D - This is also called the Prescription drug plan which gives Medicare recipients of Washington a discounted or a reduced drug prescription. The recipient can choose this plan separately or through the other Medicare Part C.

*You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:

• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;

OR

• The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office.