This is an introductory-level
course and no prior knowledge of law or healthcare is required. This course
breaks things down to the level that should be understandable to anyone.
Original Medicare, passed in
the 1960’s as part of the “Great Society,” consisted of insurance for
hospitalization and services from doctors or medical professionals. These
components of Medicare, Parts A and B, still comprise the heart of Medicare,
though their rules have changed in some ways over the intervening decades.
Medicare Part C, which was added in the 1990’s, partially privatized Medicare
by allowing it to be administered under Medicare Advantage Plans issued by
private companies, wherein people could purchase Medicare plans that are tailored
to their needs, usually at the cost of slightly higher premiums. Medicare Part
D was introduced in 2003 to cover prescription drugs under Medicare, which were
not covered under original Medicare.
This course looks at
Medicare eligibility, enrollment, timing, coverage, benefits and more. We will
look at premiums, co-pays and coinsurance that are the responsibilities of the
patients as well. We have designed the course to be as practical as possible so
that a small investment of time can equip you with a broad understanding of
Medicare and how it works.
We will also cover
supplemental insurance and Medigap policies, and the relationship between
Medicare and other government programs such as Medicaid and “extra help,”
which provide relief for indigent Medicare recipients.
Best of luck and we welcome
your feedback.
Medicare