Knowing everything you can about Medicare is essential before you enroll. Medicare has two plans: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A & B. Medicare Advantage is a plan offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage is Part C. Finally, part D is available as a stand-alone plan. We know that Medicare can be overwhelming, but we are here to make it easier for you with a basic breakdown of the different parts.
Part A: Hospital Insurance
Medicare Part A is also called Hospital Insurance. Part A is the part of Medicare that covers most medically necessary hospital care, skilled nursing facility (SNF) care, home health care, and hospice care. Some people are automatically enrolled Medicare Part A and others have to sign up for it. Check your enrollment status online to see if you’re automatically enrolled.
Part B: Medical Insurance
Medicare Part B is often referred to as Medical Insurance. Part B covers most medically necessary doctors’ services, preventive care, durable medical equipment (DME), hospital outpatient care, laboratory tests, x-rays, mental health, and some home care and ambulance services. Similar to Part A, some individuals are automatically enrolled, while others aren't. To check your enrollment status, visit one of the many websites that allow you to do so!
Part C: Alternate Way To Receive Medicare Benefits
Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Part C combines the coverage and benefits that Medicare Parts A and B offers, including hospital care, doctor visits and other medical services. However, Part C does not include hospice care, which continues to be covered by Part A. Many private plans also provide prescription drug coverage and additional benefits like routine dental and eye care. Part C is optional, voluntary coverage. You get to choose whether you only enroll in Original Medicare or would prefer a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan instead.
As stated before, Medicare Part D is available as a stand-alone plan. Part D helps cover the cost of outpatient prescription drugs and protect you against higher prescription drugs costs. Part D is provided only through private insurance companies that have contracts with the federal government. If you want to get Part D coverage, you have to choose and enroll in a private Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage (MAPD). Whether or not you should sign up for a Medicare Part D plan depends on your circumstances. You may have creditable prescription drug coverage from an employer or retiree insurance. Some people who are also already enrolled in certain low-income assistance programs may be automatically enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan and receive additional financial assistance.
Ameri Quote is here to help you. We are a locally owned and operated Medicare Insurance provider. Whichever plan you are looking to enroll in, we can help. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about what is available to you, visit our website or call us to learn more.
