There are groups of people that are eligible for Medicare and who have not reached the age of 65. These groups are those that have permanent disabilities. Also, individuals with end-stage renal disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) are eligible as well. In 2010, 8 million people with disabilities under the age of 65 were covered by Medicare (Medicare: a Primer, 2010, p.1). These individuals qualify to enroll in Part A & B benefits. If you have a disability and are under the age of 65, the benefits begin after you receive Social Security benefits for 24 months. If you have ALS, you can get Medicare benefits the first month you receive Social Security benefits. Some individuals due to their lower income can also qualify for Medicaid benefits too (Medicare at a Glance, 2010, p. 1-3). This provision in the law allows these individuals to have coverage for their conditions.
Benefits of Medicare …show more content…
Part A does not have a premium, but a deductible of $1,316 for each benefit period that must be met before Medicare coverage begins (Medicare 2017 Costs, medicare.gov). Once the deductible is met, Medicare will pay for 80% of the allowed benefits and the patient is responsible for the remaining 20%. Part A covers inpatient hospitalizations, short term stays at nursing homes, hospice care, and blood transfusions. If a patient is hospitalized they are also responsible for a coinsurance for Part A (Medicare 2017 Costs, medicare.gov). The length of stay determines the coinsurance. The following table shows the coinsurance dependent on length of