How to Apply for Medicare in Louisville
Medicare is a federal program that provides medical insurance for Americans who are 65 and older, or who are younger with disabilities, or in the end stages of renal disease. Wherever you live in Kentucky, you can fill out a Kentucky Medicare application to receive benefits. However, when signing up for Medicare it is wise to understand your options and incorporate it with other estate planning, such as a will, trusts and living will.
Bruce Brightwell, a Louisville Medicare attorney at Brightwell Elder and Probate Law, can help you understand the best way to benefit from Medicare.
Understanding Medicare’s structure, rules and timing
Medicare insurance has four divisions — Part A, B, C and D. There are options involved with Medicare. You can sign up for Medicare when you retire, or before you retire. You can sign up for one part and not another. If you land in the hospital, Medicare Part A covers your stay and a limited period of rehabilitation afterward, provided you follow the rules.
It is a good idea to have an experienced attorney looking out for your best interests throughout the process. While government officials may be friendly and helpful, they have no legal obligation to protect your interests or coordinate Medicare planning with an overall estate plan.
Medicare is often closely associated with retirement. The Social Security website explains how you can sign up for Medicare online if you are 64 and eight months old and not ready to retire or start receiving Social Security retirement benefits. You can also file for Medicare online when you file for Social Security retirement benefits.
You can apply for Medicare Part A, B, C or D online, by phone or at the Social Security Office. When you receive Social Security benefits, you become automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing home facility care afterward (called rehab), some home health and hospice care. Part B helps pay for doctor’s services and supplies that hospital insurance does not cover. Part C involves plans through healthcare provider organizations. Part D helps pay for medical prescriptions. Parts B, C and D require paying a premium for coverage, and these parts are optional.
For legal help with estate planning and Medicare in Kentucky
Call Bruce A. Brightwell, Attorney at Law at 812-542-0007 or contact Brightwell Elder and Probate Law online to schedule an initial consultation.
