What is Medicare:

 

Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program that is eligible to the following:

• Individuals that are 65 or older.

• Anyone that has been approved for Social Security Disability (SSDI) and met the 24-month wait time from disability onset.

• Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease, which is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant.

 

The are different options with Medicare, each of which provide different 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 Medicare Advantage Plan is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all 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, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren't paid for under 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, and 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.