Medicare Basics

 Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 years 

or older and for those who are eligible due to a disability. The Social Security Administration recommends that you apply for Medicare Part’s A and B three months before you’d like your benefits to begin. You will typically receive Medicare 

Part’s A and B enrollment information in the mail directly from the Social Security Administration, but if 

you don’t you will want to call 

them at 1-800-772-1213.

 Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance coverage. Medicare 

Part B is your medical insurance that cover’s doctor bills and office visits. While basic Medicare (Part’s A and B) covers many of your health costs please note that they do not cover everything. 

 For most people your Medicare Part A is free. The cost for Part B varies depending on your income.

See the chart at the bottom of this page to find out what your monthly payment would be. 

 A Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.

If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Most include 

Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).

 A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare  doesn't cover, such as 

• Copayments
• Coinsurance
• Deductibles

Medicare prescription drug coverage is an optional benefit.  Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare. If you decide not to get Medicare drug coverage when you're first eligible, you'll likely pay a late enrollment penalty if you join later, unless you have other credible prescription drug coverage, or you are eligible for the Extra Help program through the government.  Generally, you'll pay this penalty for as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage.    There are 2 ways to get prescription drug coverage. You can choose a Medicare Part D plan. Or, you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) that offers drug coverage.