How can I find out if I have Medicare coverage?

You must call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security Office to verify your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. This information can also be found on your red, white, and blue Medicare card.

Will I automatically be enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65?

If you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement or disability benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

About 3 months prior to your 65th birthday or 24th month of disability, you will be sent an Initial Enrollment Package that will contain information about Medicare, a questionnaire and your red, white and blue Medicare card.

If you want both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), you should sign your Medicare card and keep it in your wallet.

If you don't want Part B coverage, you must put and X in the refusal box on the back of the Medicare card form; sign the form and return it with the card to Social Security at the address shown. You will then be sent a new Medicare card showing that you only have Part A.

What medical supplies and equipment does Medicare Part B cover?

Medicare Part B helps pay for durable medical equipment such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, and other medically necessary equipment that your doctor prescribes to use in your home. Other items covered by Medicare include:

• Arm, leg, back and neck braces
• Medical supplies such as ostomy pouches, surgical dressings, splints and casts
• Breast prostheses following a mastectomy
• One pair of eyeglasses with an intraocular lens after cataract surgery

Medicare pays for different kinds of durable medical equipment in different ways. Some equipment must be rented and other equipment must be purchased.

What types of services are covered under Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B helps pay for doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, blood, medical equipment and some home health services. It also pays for other medical services such as lab tests and physical and occupational therapy. Some preventive services such as mammograms and flu shots are also covered.

Medicare Part B does NOT cover:

• Routine physical exams
• Eye glasses
• Custodial care
• Dental care
• Dentures
• Routine foot care
• Hearing aids
• Orthopedic shoes
• Cosmetic surgery

It also does not cover most prescription drugs or health care you get while traveling outside the United States (except under limited circumstances).

What is a Medicare deductible?

A deductible is the amount you must pay each year before Medicare begins paying its portion of your medical bill. There are deductibles for both the Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (doctor services) portions of Medicare. Your deductible is taken out of your claims when Medicare receives them. Medicare will not start paying on your claims until you have met your annual deductible.