Medicare
How the New Medicare Law Effects You

Visit the above link for more information on the new Medicare benefits, when these benefits go into effect, and how they can impact you.

Access to high quality and affordable health care is important for all Americans. Medicare is one essential avenue through which health care is provided. The program is a government health insurance plan for individuals age 65 or older. Medicare is also available for some people under age 65 who have disabilities, or for people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure).

Because Medicare is such a multi-faceted program, people sometimes encounter difficulties processing their claims. Congresswoman Bono has staff available in her district offices to help individuals who have questions about their Medicare benefits, enrollment or other issues related to these programs.

For help with a Medicare claim, contact a staff member in one of Congresswoman Bono's district offices.

Hospital and Medical Insurance—Parts A & B
Medicare has two parts: hospital insurance and medical insurance.

Hospital insurance, sometimes called Part A, covers inpatient hospital care and certain follow-up care. Participants have already paid for it as part of their Social Security taxes while they were working.

Medical insurance, sometimes called Part B, pays for physicians' services and some other services not covered by hospital insurance. Medical insurance is optional, and must be paid for with monthly premiums.