The Bottom Line
Pros
- Explains how to access Medicare information.
- Provides examples of how the Medicare program works in different situations.
- Offers an extensive glossary of Medicare-related terms.
Cons
- Does not include a specific section on Medicare in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
- Contains some minor typographical errors.
Description
- Taking the Mystery out of the Medicare Program is available as an e-book or as a spiral-bound booklet.
- The author, Sharon Johnson, BSW, owns Case Management Solutions, LLC.
- The booklet is one in a series about eldercare (others cover Medicaid, advance directives, and nursing home placement).
Guide Review - Taking The Mystery Out Of The Medicare Program - A Book About Medicare Coverage
But in this 55-page booklet, Johnson does a good job explaining how the Medicare program works and how to make the most of your Medicare benefits. Topics include:
- What is Medicare?
- Medicare eligibility
- Qualifying as a disabled person
- Choosing the right Medicare plan
- Original Medicare Parts A and B
- Medicare Part A for Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Medicare Supplemental Policies (Medigap)
- Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage Plans
- Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage
- Other Medicare issues
Johnson updates this booklet annually to reflect current Medicare policies and procedures.
For families dealing with Alzheimer's disease, it would have been helpful to offer a section on how the Medicare program covers medical care and other types of services specific to the disease.
However, most families dealing with Alzheimer's or another kind of dementia will almost certainly deal with Medicare, unless the individual has early-onset Alzheimer's that occurs before the age of 65. This reality makes Taking the Mystery out of the Medicare Program an excellent resource for caregivers and individuals recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's who are preparing for an increased need for medical services.
