Some people think that when they turn 65, they can ride down the Medicare highway without being informed. Some even think that Medicare will cover every medical need for the rest of their life. Sadly, they would be wrong. Let’s clear up some of this confusion and find out what Medicare actually covers.
Medicare has different parts that cover different things: Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D. Together, Part A and Part B are called original Medicare or traditional Medicare. Medicare Part C (also called Medicare Advantage) and Part D prescription drug coverage.
Part A
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, including critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. Beneficiaries must meet certain conditions to get these benefits.
Part B
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover doctors’ services and outpatient care. It also covers some other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover, such as some of the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health care. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary.
Part C
Medicare Part C is also called Medicare Advantage. It is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies contracted by Medicare. You must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage plan. You remain enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, but you receive your benefits through the plan instead of through Original Medicare.
Part D
This coverage helps lower prescription drug costs and helps protect against higher costs in the future. Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage is insurance. Private companies provide the coverage. Beneficiaries choose the drug plan and pay a monthly premium. Like other insurance, if a beneficiary decides not to enroll in a drug plan when they are first eligible, they may pay a penalty if they choose to join later.
Related Links
Download the Medicare Quick Start Guide by Medicare World
A Comprehensive Guide to Medicare
Medicare Education: Services NOT Covered by Medicare
Medicare Part A and B Won’t Cover These Services
Average Annual Medicare Bill in 2017: $7,620
Alarming Facts About Medicare Seniors Should Know
10 Things to Acknowledge When Considering Medicare Plans
8 Essentials to Understanding Medicare
6 Useful Tips to Avoid Medicare Mistakes
5 Medicare Rules You Should Know Inside Out
5 Medicare Mistakes That Cost You Big Money
5 Services Seniors Need that Medicare Doesn’t Cover
4 Puzzling Medicare and Medicaid Stats You Should Know
The new Medicare Plus Card saves you up to 75% on things not covered by Medicare
Medicare doesn’t cover everything. Luckily, those on Medicare can now start saving on out of pocket expenses like prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and more. Over 1 million people have already received their free Medicare Plus Card.
[mq_widget_form bkgnd=”quotes”]
