Read more
Medicare made simple
Medicare brings valuable benefits to more than 58 million people and growing, but most of us don't even know the basics of how Medicare can work best for us. That's where Medicare For Dummies, 4th Edition comes in, explaining how this complex system functions and helping you confidently navigate your way through the maze to get the most out of your coverage.
This indispensable resource untangles Medicare in friendly, straightforward language. Step by step, you'll learn when and how to enroll, ways to avoid costly mistakes, and how to find the plan that brings the most benefit to you and your family.
* Reduce out-of-pocket expenses
* Know your rights and protections
* Choose the best policy for you
Using this reassuring and comprehensive guide, you'll be able to get the answers to all your questions, find guidance on how to act--and then get on with getting the benefits you need.
List of contents
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Medicare 7
Chapter 1: The Nuts and Bolts of Medicare: What It Is and How It Works 9
Chapter 2: Spelling Out What Medicare Covers (A Lot, but Not Everything) 19
Chapter 3: Understanding What You Pay Toward Your Costs in Medicare 45
Chapter 4: Reducing Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Medicare 63
Part 2: The Hows and Whens of Medicare 93
Chapter 5: Qualifying for Medicare 95
Chapter 6: Enrolling in Medicare at the Right Time for You 111
Chapter 7: Discovering How to Sign Up for Medicare 145
Chapter 8: Understanding How Medicare Fits In with Other Health Insurance 169
Part 3: Making Smart Choices among Medicare's Many Options 193
Chapter 9: Making Sense of Medicare's Many Options 195
Chapter 10: Choosing Wisely If You Go with Traditional Medicare 215
Chapter 11: Making Smart Choices If You Opt for Medicare Advantage 241
Chapter 12: Getting Help in Making Medicare Choices 255
Part 4: Navigating Medicare from the Inside 269
Chapter 13: Starting Out as a New Medicare Beneficiary 271
Chapter 14: Getting the Inside Scoop on Using Certain Medicare Benefits 301
Chapter 15: Changing Your Medicare and Medigap Coverage 331
Chapter 16: Knowing Your Rights 351
Part 5: The Part of Tens 367
Chapter 17: Top Ten Medicare Mistakes 369
Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Stay Healthier beyond Age 65 377
Part 6: Appendixes 385
Appendix A: Sources of Help and Information 387
Appendix B: Glossary 399
Index 405
