What is Medicare:
Created in 1965 Medicare is health coverage provided by the federal government for people 65 years and older. People under 65 years old can qualify too if they have certain conditions or disabilities. Before you are ready for Medicare enrollment, find out more about each part of Medicare and what it covers.
Medicare is made up of parts:
Part A, which is hospital insurance, and Part B, which is medical insurance. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical equipment.
Most people who are eligible for Medicare do not have to pay a premium for Part A, but they do have to pay a monthly premium for Part B. Additionally, there are deductibles and coinsurance costs associated with both parts.
Part C or Medicare Advantage are all-in-one plans offered by private health insurance companies. Medicare Advantage health plans include the same coverage as Original Medicare, plus extras like vision, hearing and dental care. Some Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage. It is important to review the plan carefully to understand the details and limitations of the coverage.
Part D Prescription Drug helps individuals with their prescription drug costs. Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide coverage for both generic and brand-name prescription drugs. The cost of Part D coverage varies depending on the plan chosen, with some plans having a deductible and others having a monthly premium. In addition, there may be copayments or coinsurance required for each prescription filled. Overall, Part D Prescription Drug Medicare helps ensure that individuals can afford the medications they need to maintain their health and wellbeing.
A supplement plan or Medigap pays for some of the health care costs that are not covered by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. It is designed to fill the gaps in Medicare coverage and help beneficiaries manage their healthcare expenses. Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies, and they are standardized by the federal government. A supplement plan or Medigap is one of the standardized plans, and it offers comprehensive coverage for Medicare beneficiaries who are 65 or older. If you are enrolled in Original Medicare and are looking for additional coverage, a supplement or Medigap could be a good option to explore.