Medicare Beneficiary
Updated: 29 February 2024
What Does Medicare Beneficiary Mean?
A Medicare beneficiary is someone aged 65 years or older who is entitled to health services under a federal health insurance plan.
Although Medicare beneficiaries are typically seniors, those who are younger than 65 years of age can still qualify for Medicare benefits if they meet certain qualifications, such as being a recipient of Social Security benefits or having a qualifying disability.
Insuranceopedia Explains Medicare Beneficiary
Medicare is a government health program for U.S. senior citizens (65 years old and above) who have paid their Medicare taxes while working.
There are four kinds of Medicare coverage that a Medicare beneficiary can avail themselves of:
- Medicare A: U.S. citizens are automatically eligible for this coverage when they turn 65. There is no premium for this plan and it covers most of the cost of hospitalization.
- Medicare B: To qualify for this plan, the beneficiary must pay a premium. It will pay for outpatient treatment, doctor's services, and prescribed drugs.
- Medicare C: Medicare C plans are offered through private insurance companies that are approved by the Medicare program. Some Medicare C plans provide vision and dental care.
- Medicare D: Like Medicare C, this plan is offered through approved private insurance companies. It provides coverage for prescriptive drugs.
