A Basic Understanding Of Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for people who are 65 and older and for people with certain disabilities. There are four parts of Medicare which provide medical and prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part A
(Hospital Insurance)
Medicare Part A includes care in hospitals as inpatient, critical access hospitals (these are small facilities that give limited outpatient and inpatient services to people in rural areas), skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and some home health care. If you are entitled to Part A, there is no monthly or annual insurance premium charge. There may be a charge for most health care services.

Medicare Part B
(Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part B pays for doctor’s services, outpatient hospital care and some other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover, such as the services of physical and occupational therapists as well as some home health care. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary. If you are enrolled in Part B, you must pay a monthly premium, which is typically deducted directly from your Social Security check.

Medicare Part C
(Medicare Advantage Plans)
Under Medicare Part C, the federal government contracts with private insurance companies to administer Medicare benefits through Medicare Advantage plans. Participation in a Medicare Advantage plan is optional and available to Medicare beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and B. With Medicare Part C, you generally pay lower co-payments and get additional benefits such as coverage for extra days in the hospital, though this will vary depending upon the plan.

Medicare Part D
(Prescription Drug Coverage)
In addition to hospital and doctor insurance, you also have the option to purchase Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), which helps you cover your prescription costs. This prescription drug benefit is voluntary, but if you don’t enroll when you first become eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you choose to sign up at a later date. You can get Part D coverage by itself or as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan.