medicare question
 

I now live in France and I recently was accepted for disability and now I've received a medicare card. While I'm living here I know it's of no use but if I return to the US....? anyway it says "Hospital (Part A) benefits only." do I pay for this? If I got sick and the US and was hospitalized, would this cover me? and how and to what extent? Is it only for hospitalization? I'm really out of touch and since I didn't expect to get anything, this is a surprise.
thanks
sarah

All your questions answered...
 

Bonjour Sarah,

For all Medicare Q&A's got to www.medicare.gov

I think you will find EVERYTHING you need to know about Part A & B
there is a section for individuals living abroad. Its pretty easy to follow...

Hint- go to Eligibility and Enrollment and just navigate through the info. I found this site very helpful for my mom.

Bonne chance,

Maria

Sarah, Medicare Part A is free you don't have to pay for it. It only covers hospitalization. Part B you have to enroll and pay for roughly $75.00 a month and pays 80%. it covers, physicians, therapy, services outside the hospital. Now they have Part D for drugs but I am hearing its not doing much for most people. You really need a co-insurance with Medicare such as AARP, BC/BS there maybe others that will pick up the 20% which doesn't sound like much but if you have a chronic illness it adds up fast. Hope this helps, hugs, Sandy

many thanks for the info. I'll check out the website.
Also it was because many of you on the site were incouraging about asking for disability that I put in for it, so many thanks for that also.
sarah