Medicare in Nevada
Introduction to Medicare
Medicare is a health insurance program started by the federal government for people aged 65 and older. Other people who are covered include people with disabilities and end-stage renal disease. But Medicare does not cover certain long illnesses or care given at home or nursing homes. Medicare benefits are provided in different parts as well.
As a retired senior, you are eligible for Medicare if the following three conditions are met:
- You, or your spouse, has worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment
- You are at least 65 years old (if you meet certain disability conditions, then this requirement may be waived)
- You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
Exceptions are young people with disability or end stage renal disease.
Nevada SHIP Program
The state of Nevada has its own program available called the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Using a huge network of volunteers, SHIP provides information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries in the state of Nevada. The SHIP Program was started in 1993. SHIP is funded by a federal grant and is provided by the State of Nevada, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Aging Services. Spanish counselors are also available.
The Nevada Medicare program (SHIP) provides assistance for the following: * Information on eligibility of Medicare entitlements such as benefits, limitations, Fee-for-Service Plans (in addition to free service), and Coordinated Care Plans * Assistance for claims, reconsideration requests, and appeal processes * Conducting meetings, seminars, classes, health fairs and senior fairs * Co-ordination with other state as well as community services.
Clear information is provided on different parts of Medicare such as PART A (hospital insurance or that which covers care in hospitals and whether the person gets it free or with a premium), PART B (this covers doctor visits and basically all out patient hospital care). Finally, the out-of-pocket costs are also documented. Out-of-pocket costs include monthly premium in case of part B, deductibles and co-payments. Again, this is variable depending on the type of health care and health plan chosen.
Therefore, abundant information is available for Nevada residents on Medicare and Medicaid through SHIP and other private health insurance providers.