Name: Making Sense of Medicare
Price: 168 CAD
Rating: 4.4 (140 reviews)

What You'll Learn

check_circleUnderstand Medicare's Basic Characteristics: Identify the foundational aspects of Medicare, including its administration by CMS and enrollment through SSA or RRB.

check_circleExplain Medicare Eligibility: Detail the eligibility criteria for Medicare, including age requirements and qualifications based on disability or specific conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease.

check_circleDescribe Medicare's Payment System: Outline how Medicare's Fee for Service system operates, including provider payments and types of care covered.

check_circleNavigate Medicare Coverage Components: Break down the various parts of Medicare (Parts A, B, C, D) and what each part covers.

check_circleAdvise on Cost Sharing and Insurance Products: Discuss the role of deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance in Medicare and how private insurance products can complement Medicare coverage.

About This Course

This course is designed for attorneys involved in elder law, estate planning, or healthcare. It provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare, focusing on its integration into retirement planning. Expert Bill McKendree, JD, MPA, delves into the structure of Medicare, eligibility criteria, payment systems, and insurance products related to Medicare. The course aims to equip attorneys with the knowledge to advise clients effectively on making informed healthcare decisions as part of their retirement planning.

Topics discussed:

Introduction to Medicare

Overview of Medicare as a federal health care program.
Administrative bodies: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and enrollment through the Social Security Administration (SSA) or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

Historical Context and Need for Medicare

Reasons behind the creation of Medicare.
Discussion on the lack of affordable private health insurance for the elderly before Medicare.

Eligibility Requirements for Medicare

Age criteria (65 years and older).
Eligibility for those under 65 due to disability (including specific conditions like ALS and End-Stage Renal Disease).

Medicare Payment System

Fee for Service system: Providers are compensated based on the specific care provided, identified by a set code.
Introduction to the Medicare Fee Schedule.

Coverage and Provider Choices under Medicare

Beneficiaries' freedom to choose any provider that accepts Medicare.
Explanation of deductibles and coinsurances.
Additional insurance to cover out-of-pocket costs.

Parts and Plans of Medicare

Detailed explanation of the different parts of Medicare (Parts A, B, C, D).
Additional premiums for late enrollment.
Description of cost sharing elements in Medicare (deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance).

Private Insurance Products in Relation to Medicare

Use of private insurance products (Medigap, MedSup) to supplement Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D).
Discussion on how these plans interact with standard Medicare coverage.

Costs Associated with Medicare

Premiums for Parts A and B for the year 2024.
General discussion on the monthly costs and financial implications for beneficiaries.

Medicare and Private Insurance Interaction

How private insurance can be used to supplement Medicare.
Different options for coverage combining Medicare and private insurance products.

Your Instructor

William McKendree

Director | PHBSP

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star140 reviews

For over 25 years, Bill McKendree has worked to realize a simple notion: That every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can access all of the care they need to live a healthy and productive life. Since its creation, Bill has been the director of the Pennsylvania Healthcare Benefit Solutions Program. Prior to his work at PHBSP, he was program manager for the Allegheny County APPRISE office – Pennsylvania’s Health Insurance Assistance Program. And before running Allegheny County APPRISE, Bill was director of the Western Pennsylvania Center for Aging Services, helping thousands of Pennsylvania’s seniors access medical, legal, and social services. In addition to his work at PHBSP, Bill teaches at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy, and is preceptor for the School’s Experiential Learning Program at the Birmingham Free Health Clinic. He also teaches classes on health law and health care policy at Penn State University, La Roche University, and Community College of Allegheny County.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Making Sense of Medicare

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