Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

A federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure with dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD). For information about what Medicare covers, go to: Medicare Rights Center - What Medicare Covers.

The Medicaid Program provides medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. Medicaid eligibility is limited to individuals who fall into specific categories. Although the Federal government establishes general guidelines for the program, the Medicaid program requirements are actually established by each State. Whether or not a person can be eligible for Medicaid will depend on the State where he or she lives.

Medicare is divided into four parts: Part A, B, C, and Part D. For a description of each Part, go here: Medicare Rights Center

No, with minor exceptions, Medicare only pays for Nursing Home Care, and only for a limited time. Assisted Living, Adult Family Homes, and other alternatives to nursing homes are either paid for privately by the older adult and family, by some long term care insurance plans, or by the State's Medicaid program, for low income seniors. For more information about Medicare's Nursing Home Benefit, go to http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/snf.pdf.

Here is a series of general information articles on aging:

Chapter 1: The Enigma of Aging

Chapter 2: The Processes of Aging

Chapter 3: Social & Psychological Aspects of Aging

Chapter 4: Research

Summary

References

I've fallen and I can't get up. This notorious phrase from a 1990 television commercial for "panic button" devices created a fallout of jokes, T-shirts, and fodder for late-night comedians. It also transformed the sleepy market for personal emergency response systems (PERS) into a booming business. Although the ads were ridiculed by many, they dealt with a topic that is deadly serious. What happens when someone is sick or injured at home and can't reach the phone to call for help? Learn more here...