Medicare is the nation’s largest provider of health care to individuals age 65 and older. Although Medicare does not pay for long-term care, it does provide varying amounts of coverage for hospice care, home health care, and short-term stays in Medicare-certified skilled nursing facilities. However, stringent requirements must be met in order to receive these benefits.

This course begins with a broad overview of the four parts of Medicare—Parts A, B, C, and D. It then takes a comprehensive look at three Medicare benefits—short-term skilled nursing facility care, home health care, and hospice care—that are critically important to individuals as they age. Benefit eligibility, out-of-pocket costs, and the various benefits that Medicare provides for these types of care are explained in detail.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the benefits provided by Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
  
• describe the eligibility criteria to receive Medicare-covered skilled nursing facility care
  
• distinguish between skilled care and custodial care
  
• understand the eligibility requirements that must be met to receive Medicare-covered home health care
  
• describe the types of home health care services that Medicare will cover
  
• understand who is eligible to receive Medicare-covered hospice care
• list the types of hospice services that Medicare will cover
• describe how Medicare Advantage may differ in its approach from Original Medicare in providing health care benefits