Healthcare never ceases to be a concern these days but surprisingly, statistics show a drooping number. Of the 18,000,000 residents, less than 20% carry a Medicare plan, 63.8% of the total figure belongs to the age bracket of 70 and above and more than 50% are women beneficiaries. These figures prove that Medicare is relevant for only one out of five people in Florida. Just what makes Medicare in Florida dipping low?

An essential qualification to get Medicare Component A in the United States is residency. Citizens and permanent residents are qualified upon completion of at least 40-quarter work experience. For most people, this means 10 years of work in America. Most Part A premiums are paid indirectly through the Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes contributed during the forty quarters of US employment. The Welfare Reform Act instituted during Bill Clinton\’s administration also laid out an age criterion: only those above 65 years old can acquire Medicare\’s component A. Moreover, new immigrants are not entitled to benefits such as Medicare.

Demographics in 2010 shows that around 1.6 million veterans are in Florida comprising more or less 20% of Florida\’s population number. This fact justifies the turnout level in the enrolled Medicare recipients. Also, though Medicare Component B can be bought practically by anyone, the monthly costs range from $600 to $1,000 per head. A costly mistake is certainly avoided, unless the necessary Medicare details override the usual indifference.

Medicare in Florida, however, must not be confused with Medicaid. Medicaid is a jointly funded health program by the state and federal government which caters families in United States with little incomes. This is the largest health funding source for those with limited amounts of income and is not to be used interchangeably with Medicare. Getting to know Florida\’s Medicare system helps much.

Medicare in Florida is all about health plans. These health plans are further divided into four major components under the federal government\’s health coverage program, Parts A, B, C and D. All of these benefits are based on medical necessity and varies in terms of services covered.

Component A is basically hospital insurance. Inpatient stays covering expenses such as semiprivate rooms, food, tests and doctors\’ fees fall under this. Component B is medical insurance. This kind pays for services and products excluded from component A and are utilized under an outpatient basis. Among others, physician and nursing services, diagnostic tests, ambulance transportation (with a certain limit though) and x-rays are included under Component B.

Component C, forwarded by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, offers another option through private health insurance companies. Aside from the original Medicare standard list, Medicare advantage plans, as commonly referred to, provide coverage for new items in exchange for additional fees. These new items can come in the form of savings or net extra benefits exclusive to those who enrolled and in add-on services such as a more comprehensive dental and vision coverage.

Prescription drug plans are accommodated in Component D and no standard provisions are available. Though the Medicare program explicitly approves and regulates, the choice as to what drugs are covered depends on the providers. It is imperative therefore that interested parties interact closely with providers to get necessary information and make wise investment decisions.

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