What is Medicare?

Medicare is a system of health insurance, operated by the federal government, for seniors (people over age 65) and those under the age of 65 with qualifying disabilities.  Medicare also covers people who have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Medicare coverage is broken into four different parts, with each part providing for a different type of service.

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Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Medicare Part A is similar to your basic “catastrophic” health insurance and covers the cost of hospitalization and a few other types of care.

Medicare Coverage Benefits
  • Inpatient Hospital Care – Services provided in a hospital due to a catastrophic event.  Medicare will not pay for additional hospital services such as a private room, private nursing services, or luxury items.
  • Nursing Facility Care – If additional nursing care is required after a minimum 3 day stay as a patient in a hospital, Medicare will help cover the cost of further care in a skilled nursing facility.  A doctor’s verification of need for services is required.
  • Home Health Care – Medicare will help cover the cost of at home health care.  A doctor’s verification of need for services is required.
  • Hospice Care – The cost of hospice care will only be offset by Medicare if a doctor has diagnosed you with six months or less to live.  Medicare will help cover the cost of drugs, pain relief methods, nursing services, and symptom management.

There are certain restrictions to what Medicare part A actually covers, and there are a lot of things it does not cover, which is why a Medicare supplemental insurance policy is so important. Fill out our free quote request form to see what policy fits your needs and fills the holes missing.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Medicare Part B covers basic medical expenses such as doctor’s visits, outpatient care, and preventative services such as check-ups and physicals.

  • Doctor’s Visits – Part B will help cover the cost of visiting your doctor for an annual physical urgent care needs.
  • Preventative Services – Part B will help cover the cost of preventative services such as urgent care needs and lab tests.
  • Outpatient Care – Medicare Part B may help cover the cost of services if you require special health care that can only be provided by an outpatient clinic.

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Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)

A Medicare Advantage Plan is a health insurance option that is provided by a private health care company that has partnered with Medicare to offer the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B.

Those who are eligible for Medicare have the option to purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan instead of enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.  Many people assume that Medicare is a free insurance program, which is not the case.  Medicare enrollees are required to pay a monthly premium for services, and many people would rather choose the company that they purchase their insurance from.

Many people choose a Medicare Advantage Plan over traditional Medicare because it can often be easier to deal with an insurance company than the larger Medicare service.  In addition, Medicare Advantage Plan providers are required by law to offer at least the same level of care as Medicare, but many plans offer much more coverage than Medicare at a more affordable cost.  Each Medicare Advantage Plan provider offers different services at a different price, so fill out the zip code form to compare plans in your area.

Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage)

Medicare Part D covers your prescription drug needs.  Prescription drug plans are not offered by Medicare, but by private companies that have contracted with Medicare to offer the same services and coverage across the board.

Medicare Advantage Plans also offer prescription coverage equal to at least the amount of coverage provided by Medicare Part D.  Many Medicare Advantage Plans offer more coverage at a lower cost than Medicare and are a popular choice for Medicare eligible consumers.

Selecting Your Policy

If you are eligible for Medicare, consider your health care needs and compare the rates charged by Medicare to those of a Medicare supplemental insurance or Medicare Advantage Plan to help you deiced which is best for your individual needs.

Remember that Medicare is not an exhaustive form of coverage, meaning it does not pay for 100% of your medical care costs.  If you feel that Medicare coverage will not be sufficient for your health needs, consider the coverage and costs of a Medicare supplemental insurance or Medicare Advantage Plan.  Fill out the zip code form to get a quote instantly.

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