Medicare Glossary

Pelvic exam

A medical test to feel the size and shape of the inside female organs to see if they are normal.

Penalties for late Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B Enrollment

The penalties for late enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B are as follows:

PFFS or Private Fee For Service Healthcare meaning

Here are some key features and characteristics of Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) healthcare plans:

Point-of-service option for Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's)

This plan choice allows you to pay an extra fee in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) insurance plan using medical professionals outside the network.

POS means

HMO and PPO plans often have a "Point of Service" option that allows members to go outside the network for care, but at a higher cost

Pre-existing medical condition

Examples of a Pre-existing condition a medical condition you had before the start date of your new health insurance:

prescription drug Step therapy

This concept is used to substitute less expensive medications and must first be tried to treat your illness to help control Medicare Part D costs.

Primary care doctor-general practitioner

The physician you often consult with first for health issues

Primary Care Physician-PCP meaning

Here's what you need to know about PCPs in Medicare:

Prior authorization meaning

Here's how the prior authorization process typically works:

Rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation services covered by Medicare may include:

Respite care for Caregivers

Some respite care services may include:

Skilled nursing care and intravenous injections

Skilled nursing care such as intravenous injections, and other treatments can only be administered by a licensed nurse or physician

Skilled nursing facility (SNF)

Skilled nursing facility is a nursing institution that is equipped with the personnel and resources necessary to provide skilled nursing care.

Social or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, disabled, have limited income.