Medicare For Dummies
Description
Cracking the Medicare code
Medicare For Dummies is your ultimate cheat sheet to demystifying Medicare. This newly updated guide covers the latest changes in benefits, including expanded coverage for mental health and chronic pain. In simple language and clear step-by-step instructions, this bestseller walks you through the enrollment process and helps you avoid costly mistakes along the way. You'll learn how to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, and you'll get trusted guidance on finding the perfect policy for you and your family. Find answers to all your Medicare questions-even those you wouldn't think to ask-so you can develop a solid game plan to get the most out of Medicare.
- Learn the basics of Medicare and determine the best plan option for you
- Reference the latest prices, coverages, and other must-know information
- Get tips for minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses, whatever your health situation
- Find clear and thorough guidance for navigating Medicare at any age
If you're currently enrolled in Medicare and want to maximize their benefits, or if you#re thinking about enrolling soon, Medicare For Dummies will help you better understand the often confusing process. This book is full of examples, ideas, and useful takeaways that empower you to take control of your healthcare-and your health.
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Patricia Barry is a recognized authority on Medicare who has written extensively about the program for consumers. For nearly two decades, as a senior editor of AARP's publications, she wrote hundreds of articles on Medicare and served as the online "Ask Ms. Medicare" columnist, answering thousands of questions sent by Medicare beneficiaries across the nation.
Content
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Medicare 7
Chapter 1: The Nuts and Bolts of Medicare: What It Is and How It Works 9
Chapter 2: Spelling Out What Medicare Covers (A Lot, but Not Everything) 19
Chapter 3: Understanding What You Pay Toward Your Costs in Medicare 45
Chapter 4: Reducing Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Medicare 63
Part 2: The Hows and Whens of Medicare 93
Chapter 5: Qualifying for Medicare 95
Chapter 6: Enrolling in Medicare at the Right Time for You 111
Chapter 7: Discovering How to Sign Up for Medicare 145
Chapter 8: Understanding How Medicare Fits In with Other Health Insurance 167
Part 3: Making Smart Choices among Medicare's Many Options 191
Chapter 9: Making Sense of Medicare's Many Options 193
Chapter 10: Choosing Wisely If You Go with Original Medicare 211
Chapter 11: Making Smart Choices If You Opt for Medicare Advantage 237
Chapter 12: Getting Help in Making Medicare Choices 249
Part 4: Navigating Medicare from the Inside 263
Chapter 13: Starting Out as a New Medicare Beneficiary 265
Chapter 14: Getting the Inside Scoop on Using Certain Medicare Benefits 293
Chapter 15: Changing Your Medicare and Medigap Coverage 321
Chapter 16: Knowing Your Rights 341
Part 5: The Part of Tens 357
Chapter 17: Top Ten Medicare Mistakes 359
Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Stay Healthier beyond Age 65 367
Part 6: Appendixes 375
Appendix A: Sources of Help and Information 377
Appendix B: Glossary 389
Index 395
