Please use the following information to help you better understand Medicare and make an informed decision about the best option for you or your loved one.

2009 Medicare Costs – What you pay in 2009 if you have Original Medicare

Part A Costs for Covered Services and Items

Blood

If the hospital has to buy blood for you, you must either pay the hospital costs for the first 3 pints of blood you get in a calendar year or have the blood donated. In most cases, the hospital gets blood from a blood bank at no charge, and you won’t have to pay for it or replace it.

Home Health Care

You pay:

$0 for home health care services

20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment

Hospice Care

You pay:

$0 for hospice care

A copayment of up to $5 per prescription for outpatient prescription drugs for pain and symptom management

5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care (short-term care given by another caregiver, so the usual caregiver can rest)

Medicare doesn’t cover room and board when you get hospice care in your home or another facility where you live (like a nursing home).

Hospital Stay

You pay:

$1,068 deductible and no coinsurance for days 1–60 each benefit period

$267 per day for days 61–90 each benefit period

$534 per “lifetime reserve day” after day 90 each benefit period (up to 60 days over your lifetime)

All costs for each day after the lifetime reserve days

Inpatient mental health care in a psychiatric hospital limited to 190 days in a lifetime

See “Medical and Other Services” on page 121 for what you pay for doctor services while you are a hospital inpatient.

Skilled Nursing Facility Stay

You pay:

$0 for the first 20 days each benefit period

$133.50 per day for days 21–100 each benefit period

All costs for each day after day 100 in a benefit period

Your Medicare Choices


You can choose different ways to get your Medicare coverage, Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). If you choose Original Medicare and you want drug coverage, you can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. If you choose to join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan may include Medicare prescription drug coverage. In most cases, if you don’t make a choice, you will have Original Medicare. See page 43 for more information about your coverage choices and the decisions you need to make.

Each year you should review your health and prescription needs because your health, finances, or coverage may have changed. If you decide other coverage will better meet your needs, you can switch plans during certain times. See pages 59 and 65.

Need Help Deciding?

Visit 1. www.medicare.gov and select, “Compare Health Plans and Medigap Policies in Your Area” or “Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.”

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and say “Agent.” 3. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

More Medicare Resources:

Medicare and You 2009

Medicare Premiums and Coinsurance Rates for 2009.

Click here to find a Physician or other Health Care Provider that accepts Medicare in your area.

Prescription Drug Plans for Tennessee.

Online demonstration of Prescription Drub Plan Finder.