Question

Our discussion board is going to focus on the Case Study entitled "My Parents are Turning 65 and Need Help Signing Up for Medicare" on Please read through the case very carefully and then think about the issues covered in the case . Next, read the questions at the end of the case -- This will help you to consider the various aspects of the case before you post your discussion post. Lastly, answer the following question.

1. Given my parents' medical conditions, do they need Medicare Parts A, B, and D? Be sure to include: (a) an explanation of each of these Parts and (b) your rationale for whether my parents need each Part based on their specific condition(s).

2. What about Medicare Part C? Do you think a Medicare Advantage plan might be a good option for my parents? If so, what type do you think would be good?

3. What are the cost considerations for the various Medicare options?

4. How does the cost of Medicare compare to what my parents are currently spending for their COBRA coverage? Will going on Medicare sooner rather than later save them money?

5. What is your recommendation to us for my parents' coverage?

Answer 1

1. (a) an explanation of each of these Parts

Part A: Part A covers the hospital coverage of 90 days for inpatient services, skilled nursing facility care for 100 days, and qualified home health services and hospice care for terminally ill clients.

Part B: Part B covers physician visits, outpatient services, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Part C: This consists of a wide variety of health insurance plan that is covered under the traditional plan under the additional benefits of prescription of drugs.

Part D: Part D consists of prescription drug plans, some of cost health plans, Medicare medical savings account plan, and private fee-for-service plan.

(b) your rationale for whether my parents need each Part based on their specific condition(s).

As per your's parents medical condition, your father will need diabetic care management either hospitalized or at home, and your mother will need preventive services and prescription plans. So Part A, B, and D will be needed for your parents.

2.What about Medicare Part C? Do you think a Medicare Advantage plan might be a good option for my parents? If so, what type do you think would be good?

Part C will cover all the things included in Part A and B except hospice care. Both the Managed care plans and fee for service plan will be beneficial for your parents. Additionally, it covers prescription drug plans. so the Part C will be beneficial for your parents.

3. What are the cost considerations for the various Medicare options?

Cost consideration depends on the income and percentage they can pay. Usually, the deductibles may range from 35 to 85%. Part B benefits 25% of the premiums, and Part D benefits 25.5% from the premiums.

4. How does the cost of Medicare compare to what my parents are currently spending on their COBRA coverage? Will going on Medicare sooner rather than later save them money?

Cobra coverage is very inexpensive. Currently, they are paying $1300 per month for Cobra coverage. Cobra coverage will be lost if the employment is terminated. Comparing cobra coverage with Medicare, then Medicare coverage would be better and cheaper. Medicare will get better sooner.

5. What is your recommendation to us for my parents' coverage?

The best suitable coverage for your parents is Medicare which will cover all the services for your parents need at a cheaper rate. So I recommend for Medicare coverage.