How to Access Insurance for the Elderly

Many elderly individuals require regular medical care or prescription medications, and these can be quite costly. Health insurance policies for the elderly bring peace of mind and help prevent financial difficulties when elderly people do require expensive medical care. Without access to health insurance, people may even lose their homes or have to file for bankruptcy if they accumulate high medical bills they cannot afford to pay.

Instructions:

1. Contact the Social Security Administration to find out if you qualify for Medicare if you have not yet received your red, white and blue Medicare card in the mail. Most people who qualify for Medicare receive a card automatically in the mail shortly before they become eligible. Medicare is a government insurance program for the elderly that pays for many health care services. Recipients must pay monthly premiums and must also pay copays for some services.

2. Contact the agency that administers Medicaid in the county in which you live to find out if you qualify. Medicaid pays for health care services for elderly people who have low incomes and limited savings. You must complete an application and present proof of your income and resources to request Medicaid assistance. People who receive Medicare may still qualify for Medicaid.

3. Purchase a Medicare supplement policy that will cover some costs not covered by Medicare if you need additional coverage to meet your needs. If you qualify for Medicaid, you should not need a Medicare supplement as it will cover most costs not covered by Medicare.

4. Purchase an individual health care insurance policy if you do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid if you can afford it. Some organizations such as AARP offer fairly low-cost insurance policies for elderly people.