What is Medicare?

In simple explanation, 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)

Parts of Medicare

Different parts of Medicare cover specific services.

Part A 
(Hospital)

Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health services. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Part B 
(Medical)

Covers outpatient services like doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, and some medical equipment.

Part C
(Medicare Advantage)

“Medicare Advantage Plans” are considered Part C of Medicare. They are one and the same. Offered through non-governmental private health insurance companies. Goes along with Original Medicare (Parts A & B). Helps to cover the 20% of hospital and medical costs that Original Medicare A & B do not cover. Often includes extra benefits (vision, dental, hearing, etc.). Often "no cost monthly premium." May or may not include Part D prescription drug coverage. May need referral to see doctors and hospitals in network.

Part D 
(Prescription Drug Coverage)

Helps cover prescription medication costs. Part D coverage Can be offered as a stand-alone drug plan, OR included in part C Medicare Advantage Plans. Stand alone drug plans typically have a monthly premium Drug coverage is often included in MAPDs. May not have a monthly premium.

Medicare Supplemental Plan

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are policies that help pay for the excess charges left over by Medicare. These costs are things like your deductibles and coinsurance. 



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