What Does Medicare Cover? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Note: All Dollar Amounts Are Based On 2000 Figures.) Medicare is packaged in two parts: Part A and Part B. Qualified individuals automatically receive "Part A" which is hospitalization insurance. When all coverage requirements are met, Part A of Medicare will help pay for: Limited hospitalization coverage Limited post-hospital skilled nursing home care Home health care Limited hospice care Blood, after the first three pints Part B Is Medical Insurance And It Covers: Physicians' services Outpatient hospital care Physical therapy Diagnostic care Other services How Much Does Part A Pay For Skilled Nursing Care? Part A will not pay for certain expenses which, while common to the hospitalization experience, are not related to costs of actual or necessary care. Such non-eligible expenses include: Telephone Television Private duty nurses Amount between a semiprivate and private room rate unless it is medically necessary How Do I File A Claim? The best news yet is that you do not have to file a claim for payment. The facility from which you received care will file the claim for you. What Is The Deductible? A deductible is an amount that you will pay before Medicare pays anything. As of January 1, 2000, the deductible per benefit period is $776. What Does Medicare Part B Cover? Medicare Part B is medical insurance rather than hospital insurance. It helps to pay for: Physician services Outpatient hospital services Emergency room visits when you are treated and released Outpatient surgery Diagnostic tests Clinical lab services Outpatient physical therapy Speech therapy Medical equipment and supplies Rural health clinic services Renal dialysis Other health services and supplies