MEDICARE EDUCATION & RESOURCES
WHAT IS MEDICARE?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:
- People who are 65 or older
- Certain younger people with disabilities
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)
The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services:
MEDICARE PART A (HOSPITAL INSURANCE)
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
MEDICARE PART B (MEDICAL INSURANCE)
Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
MEDICARE PART C (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS)
A type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include:
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans
- Special Needs Plans
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan:
- Most Medicare services are covered through the plan
- Medicare services aren’t paid for by Original Medicare
Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage.
MEDICARE PART D (PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE)
Part D adds prescription drug coverage to:
- Original Medicare
- Some Medicare Cost Plans
- Some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.
WHAT SHOULD I CHOOSE?
There are 2 main ways to get your Medicare coverage—Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Some people get additional coverage, like Medicare prescription drug coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). Use these steps to help you decide what coverage you want:
STEP 1
Decide if you want original medicare or a medicare acvantage plan like an HMO or PPO.
STEP 2
Decide if you want prescription drug coverage (Part D)
STEP 3
Decide if you want supplemental coverage
*OTHER OPTIONS
- You may be able to save money or have other choices if you have limited income and resources. Get help paying costs.
- You may also have other coverage, like employer or union, military, or veterans' benefits. Learn about how Medicare works with other insurance. Find out how Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) works with other insurance.