MEDICARE
Medicare is a health insurance program for the following:
- Age 65 or older
- Under age 65 with certain disabilities
- End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)
The Original Medicare Has Two Parts:
Part A - Hospital Insurance
Most people pay for Part A through their payroll taxes when they are working.
Part B - Medical Insurance
Most people pay monthly for Part B.
You can elect to participate in a Medicare Advantage Plan Part C and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Part D
Medicare Advantage Plans [Medicare Part C]
You can choose different ways to get the services covered by Medicare. Depending on where you reside, you may have different choices. In most cases, when you first get Medicare, you are in the Original Medicare Plan. You may also select a Medicare Advantage Plan [an HMO or PPO] that provides all your Part A, Part B, and/or Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Each year you may review your health and prescription needs and select a different plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options that are approved by Medicare but run by private companies. They are part of the Medicare Program, and sometimes called "Part C." When you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you are still in Medicare. As long as you have both Part A and Part B, items covered by Part A and Part B are covered whether you have the Original Medicare Plan, or you belong to a Medicare Advantage Plan an HMO or PPO).
Part D - Prescription Drug Plan [Medicare Part D]
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.
*Medicare Supplemental Insurance [Medigap] is private insurance that can be purchased.