Learn the Parts of Medicare
Medicare Part A covers hospital and skilled nursing facility stays, hospice care, and some home health care costs. This is one of the two parts of Original Medicare. Most people get Part A for free (no premium) as long as they have worked at least 10 years and paid Medicare taxes. Even if you are entitled to free Part A, you still must *enroll when first eligible.
*Some people will get Medicare A and B automatically (without needing to enroll). In most cases, this is based on whether you’re getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. If so, you will get your Medicare information about 3 months before your 65th birthday.
Medicare Part B helps to cover doctors’ appointments, as well as services, preventative and specialty services, outpatient care, home health care, and some medical equipment. This is the second part of “Original Medicare.” Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B, which varies depending on your income and when you *enroll.
*It’s important to sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible. If you don’t, you’ll likely end up paying a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have your Part B plan.
Private carriers offer Part C plans, also known as Medicare Advantage Plans, which offer all the benefits covered under Original Medicare (parts A and B) and more. Many Medicare Advantage plans include a Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) Plan and may also have hearing, vision and/or dental.
There are pros and cons to both Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan depending on your unique health and financial situation. We want to help you make an informed decision.
Medicare Part D is also known as a Prescription Drug Plan. You can purchase a standalone Part D plan in addition to Original Medicare or purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes a Part D Plan.
Medigap plans, also called Medicare Supplement Plans, provide extra insurance that helps you pay your Medicare Parts A and B out-of-pocket costs – such as co-insurance and deductibles – which are “gaps” in medical coverage. Medigap plans are purchased through private carriers and are only available to people who already have enrolled in Medicare Part A and B.
If you’re wondering whether a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medigap plan will save you more money, it depends on your unique health needs. We want to help you make an informed decision.