Haddy Health Insurance
Medicare Basics
Understanding the Parts of Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities,
and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Understanding the different parts of Medicare can make it easier to see how your coverage works
and what additional coverage options may be available to you.
Medicare is generally divided into four parts:
Part A — Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health services.
Part B — Medical Insurance
Helps cover certain doctors' services, outpatient care, preventive services, medical supplies, and other medically necessary services.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
An alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare-approved private insurance company.
Many plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage and may offer additional benefits.
Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs and is available through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Original Medicare: Part A & Part B
The Foundation of Medicare Coverage
Original Medicare is provided by the federal government and consists of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Medicare Part A — Hospital Insurance
Part A generally helps cover:
Inpatient hospital care
Skilled nursing facility care,
when eligibility requirements are met
Hospice care
Certain home health care services
Many people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
Eligibility and costs depend on your individual circumstances.
Medicare Part B — Medical Insurance
Part B generally helps cover:
Doctor and other healthcare provider services
Outpatient care
Preventive services
Durable medical equipment
Certain home health services
Other medically necessary services
Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. Deductibles, coinsurance,
and other out-of-pocket costs may also apply.
Important to Know
Original Medicare does not cover everything and generally does not include routine prescription drug coverage.
People with Original Medicare may consider additional coverage, such as a Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
policy and/or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, depending on their needs and eligibility.
How Medicare Coverage Fits Together
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B.
If you choose Original Medicare, you may also consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy
to help with certain out-of-pocket costs and a stand-alone Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
Another option is Medicare Advantage (Part C), offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
Medicare Advantage provides your Part A and Part B benefits and many plans include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.
There is no single Medicare option that's right for everyone. Your healthcare needs, prescriptions, preferred doctors, budget, and other factors can help you compare the coverage options available to you.
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