What Is Medicare?

 

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

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• People who are 65 or older

• People under 65 with disabilities

• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Different Parts Of Medicare

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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 doctor's services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

 

MEDICARE PART C (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS)

 

A type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include:​

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• Health Maintenance Organizations

• Preferred Provider Organizations

• Private Fee-for-Service Plans

• Special Needs Plans

• Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans

 

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan:

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• Most Medicare services are covered through the plan

• Medicare services aren’t paid for by Original Medicare

• Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage.

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MEDICARE PART D (PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE)

 

Part D adds prescription drug coverage to:

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• Original Medicare

• Some Medicare Cost Plans

• Some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans

• 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.