Medicare Chief Donald Berwick, MD, celebrates his 65th birthday today, making him eligible the federal health insurance program he oversees, according to an NPR report.
A pediatrician by training, Dr. Berwick was appointed administrator of CMS in July 2010. He began the process of signing up for Medicare earlier this week and hopes to have his Medicare card within a few weeks. He said he will receive no special treatment in the application process.
Dr. Berwick will benefit from Medicare Part A because he still has a job with health benefits. This option involves no monthly premium, and the coverage can help with the costs of hospital care that are not covered by an employer-sponsored health plan. Dr. Berwick will not benefit from Medicare Part B, which covers physician services and charges a premium.
Despite becoming eligible for Medicare only this year, Dr. Berwick said he has had the program's beneficiaries in mind since he started the job.
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A pediatrician by training, Dr. Berwick was appointed administrator of CMS in July 2010. He began the process of signing up for Medicare earlier this week and hopes to have his Medicare card within a few weeks. He said he will receive no special treatment in the application process.
Dr. Berwick will benefit from Medicare Part A because he still has a job with health benefits. This option involves no monthly premium, and the coverage can help with the costs of hospital care that are not covered by an employer-sponsored health plan. Dr. Berwick will not benefit from Medicare Part B, which covers physician services and charges a premium.
Despite becoming eligible for Medicare only this year, Dr. Berwick said he has had the program's beneficiaries in mind since he started the job.
Related Articles on Billing, Coding and Collections:
Idaho Avoids Federal Takeover of Insurance Rate Reviews
Florida Governor Under Fire for Limiting HMO Choices for State Workers
Tips for Proper Surgery Center Billing and Coding