24 Feb 2008 06:04:29 | Viojeley Gurrobat
There is nothing more important than your health and the health
of your family. Of course, education, food and shelter are also
important, but at the end of the day the health of our family is
probably the most important thing to us. After all, how can we
get good education, put food on our table and build our family
good shelter when we cannot get up to work every morning.
In the past, people go to work seven or six days a week to feed
their families and put clothes in their backs. But there is no
medical care available so they just spent most of their money on
food, education and other living expenses. But in the 1950s, the
officials of the Social Security administration noticed that
older Americans were facing a health crisis. With the increasing
number of older Americans each year, the Social Security
Administration and the Congress established the Medicare
program. Medicare applies to everybody over the age of 65. As
the population ages, so is the risk of certain serious health
conditions. But if you are covered by Medicare, you likely
qualify for a number of benefits that could help prevent
life-threatening illnesses.
The benefits you can avail of when you are covered by Medicare
may include tests for prostate cancer, breast, vaginal, cervical
and colorectal cancer, diabetes monitoring, bone mass
measurements and pneumonia and hepatitis B shots. Although
Medicare is mostly available for older Americans, younger people
with disabilities and people with end stage renal disease may
also be eligible.
The Medicare program has two parts, Part A otherwise known as
Hospital insurance and Part B or Medicare insurance. Part A
covers home health and hospice care, hospital and skilled
nursing facility while Part B covers outpatient hospital
services, doctor's services, and other medical services and
supplies. Eligibility for Medicare requires that you have to be
a US citizen or have been a permanent legal resident for five
continues years and you are 65 years old and older.
Remember that illness and disease unlike aging can be prevented.
Hence, it is essential that you have a healthy lifestyle and
make it a point to take advantage of the medical and preventive
services available to you. When you have done this, the chances
of your living to your golden years will be higher.
About Author :
Viojeley Gurrobat loves readings books in her spare time. She
writes stories and poems about anything under the sun. 
