What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for: People 65 years of age and older, some people with disabilities under age 65 and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant).
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Medicare has multiple Parts:
- Part A - Is your In-Patient Hospital insurance coverage. Part A covers some, but not all, of your hospital care.
- You are probably already eligible at age 65 for part A through your payroll deductions during your working years.
- Inpatient Hospital Coverage
- Up to 100 days of care at a Skilled Nursing Facility
- Some Hospice and Home Health Care
- Part B - Is your Out-Patient Care and Doctor's Visit insurnace coverage. Part B covers some, but not all, of your out-patient care.
- Most people become eligle at age 65 and must elect to receive Part B. Most people will pay a monthly premium for Part B benefits.
- Covers some services not covered by Part A.
- Doctor Office Visit Services.
- Physical and Occupations Physical Therapy Services.
- Some Home Health Care
Parts A and B together make up the "Original Medicare". This is also called Tradtional Medicare.
- Part C - is also known as Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are available and administrated by private insurnce carriers that contract with Medicare.
- Medicare Advantage Plans replace Parts A and B and usually includes additional benefits.
- Enrollees must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and B to join a Medicare Advantage plan.
- The are several types of Medicare Advantage plans;
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
- PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service)
- Part D - is the Prescription Drug Coverage. Part D plans are available only from private insurance carriers that contract with Medicare.
- Part D - prescription drug coverage is not automatic, you must select it when you are eligible for Medicare benefits.
- Part D is either available as a stand alone Prescription Drug Benefit or as a part of a Medicare Advantage plan.
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 (like an HMO or PPO). For more information see the Your Medicare Coverage Database at www.medicare.gov.
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Contract David Marsh (208) 447-8523
Please speak with a local agent prior to enrolling with a carrier or online with Medicare for any Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage Plan (MA), or Medicare Part D Plan (Prescription Plan). Please use the services of a local agent. This helps the local economy and does not cost you anything in addition. We want to thank you for your support! Agents typically are paid a small commission to help assist you with your insurance questions.