Medicare is a federal health insurance plan offered to citizens of the United States. Medicare is mostly for people 65 and older, but those under 65 who meet certain conditions may also qualify if they have disabilities or end-stage renal failure. Medicare has several plans and parts, and people may purchase or be eligible for some and not others. Medicare plans sometimes have no premiums, but most often individuals must choose which plans they want according to cost, choice in doctors, quality of care and benefits.
Part A
Medicare Part A, sometimes called original Medicare, gives you a choice of doctors and hospitals. You can use Medicare with any doctor who accepts it. But it does have deductibles you must pay yourself. People often get supplemental insurance, called gap insurance or Medigap, to cover these deductibles. Part A Medicare helps with hospice care, home health services, inpatient care in hospitals and inpatient care at a nursing facility. Part A may be premium-free. If you are not eligible for free Part A, you may be able to buy it.
Part B
Part B Medicare covers doctor's visits, preventive services and medically necessary services needed to diagnose and treat conditions. Many people who receive Part A Medicare automatically receive Part B. You may also get Part B if you have Lou Gehrig's disease or are under 65 and receiving Social Security disability benefits. Some services covered by Part B will cost nothing. If your plan applies a Part B deductible, you will pay all costs until you meet this figure.
Part C
Part C, Medical Advantage Medicare, or MA, is coverage provided by private insurance companies approved by the government. Part C automatically includes all services offered by Part A and Part B coverage, except for hospice care. Part C plans may also offer additional services such as hearing, dental and vision coverage. Private Part C insurance providers have to follow basic rules set by Medicare, but can charge different costs and design their own rules regarding procedures. Part C may also take different forms, including HMO plans, PPO plans, medical savings accounts and special needs plans.
Part D
Medicare Part D is open to anyone who receives Part A or B. Part D is prescription drug coverage. It may be included in some Medicare Advantage Plans or added to original Medicare. Premiums and prescription costs vary depending on whether you have Medicare Advantage and which company is your provider.
Tags: Part Medicare, Part Part, choice doctors, hospice care, inpatient care, Medicare Advantage
