I am taking care of my parent who recently suffered a stroke. My parent is enrolled in original Medicare, and I have questions about how Medicare works and what it covers. Can you help me?

Taking care of a parent after a stroke is hard enough without having to figure out Medicare too. Knowing what is covered and what is not can help you plan, avoid costly surprises and ensure that your parent receives the care they need. Here is a practical guide to help get you started.

Medicare Basics

One of the best places to start learning about the basics of Medicare is the official “Medicare & You” handbook. The handbook explains benefits and services in plain and simple language. Medicare mails an updated copy every fall, but you can also view it online at medicare.gov/medicare-and-you. For questions, call Medicare at 800-633-4227 to speak with a representative who can clarify coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, home health care and other benefits.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is another great resource. SHIP counselors provide free one-on-one counseling to help explain Medicare coverage, identify cost-saving programs and answer other questions about Medicare. Find a counselor near you at shiphelp.org or 877-839-2675.

Your parent should also create a secure Medicare account at medicare.gov/account/login. Once your parent’s account is created and they have authorized you to assist with their Medicare matters, you can review their coverage, track claims, check the status of medical services and prescriptions and verify preventive benefits. A Medicare account is an easy way to stay organized and keep all of your parent’s Medicare information in one place.

Choosing Providers

Medicare also lets you compare providers online at medicare.gov/care-compare. You can search for doctors, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, hospice providers and medical equipment suppliers in your area. This is especially useful after a stroke, when your parent may need rehabilitation or specialized care at home.

Covered Services

Original Medicare covers many medically necessary services your parent may need, including hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests and outpatient treatments. It also covers home health care if your parent is homebound, under a doctor’s care and needs part-time skilled nursing or rehabilitation therapy, such as physical, occupational or speech therapy.

Medicare also covers medically necessary durable medical equipment and supplies prescribed by a doctor, including oxygen, wheelchairs, walkers and catheters. Short-term skilled nursing facility care may also be covered for up to 100 days after a qualifying hospital stay. Prescription medications are generally covered through a separate Medicare Part D plan, which helps pay for many outpatient drugs your parent may need.

Hospice care is covered for patients with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a doctor. It includes nursing care, medications for comfort and short-term respite care to give caregivers a break.

However, Medicare generally does not pay for long-term custodial care at home, in an assisted living facility or in a nursing home. That means it generally will not cover ongoing help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom or supervision for someone with dementia. Routine dental care, dentures, eye exams for glasses and hearing aids are also not covered.

Cost Help

If your parent has limited income and resources, check programs that help reduce Medicare costs. Extra Help assists with prescription drug expenses and Medicare Savings Programs can help pay premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Visit medicare.gov/basics/costs/help or call 800-633-4227 to learn more or check eligibility.

Taking time to understand Medicare can make caregiving a little less stressful. It helps you stay on top of appointments, treatments and equipment needs, while giving you greater confidence that your parent is receiving the care and benefits to which they are entitled.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.