If your senior loved one has reached the age to enroll in Medicare, it’s important to understand how the different insurance plans work to ensure your loved one gets the necessary coverage. Here are a few facts to help you both better understand the Medicare system.
What Are the Enrollment Dates?
You and your loved one will need to manage the timelines associated with Medicare enrollment. There’s an initial enrollment period that begins three months prior to your loved one’s 65th birthday and ends three months after this date. To avoid penalties and ensure your loved one receives benefits, make sure he or she enrolls during this period. Late enrollment is available but could lead to higher premiums.
Is In-Home Care Covered?
Even if you prefer to provide all of your loved one’s caregiving needs, you may still need help from a professional home caregiver. Therefore, you’ll need to learn if Medicare covers these services. Under Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part C, there are several conditions that can qualify a senior to receive coverage for in-home care, including:
- If the senior is confined to the home (doesn’t have to be bedridden)
- If part-time care has been prescribed by a doctor
- If the care is being provided by a Medicare-certified health care agency
The type of home care Pearland seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Which Prescription Drugs Does Part D Cover?
It’s important to know the types of prescription drugs your loved one takes to choose the best Medicare Part D plan for him or her. The amount of premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D Plans can change annually, which is why you should update your loved one’s prescription drug list and shop around for plans each year during the enrollment period.
Choosing the right Medicare plan isn’t the only age-related issue seniors may have to face. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust home care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she lives with an illness and performs the daily tasks of living.
What Are the Costs for Special Equipment?
Although Medicare sometimes covers the costs of senior home care services, it doesn’t cover the full costs of rental equipment your loved one may need, such as a wheelchair or a hospital bed. However, Medicare Part A or Part B will generally cover 80 percent of the costs pertaining to special equipment. To determine which types of equipment are covered under your loved one’s Medicare plan, contact the plan provider directly.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Pearland, TX, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
