Medicare and You - A Brief Look at Medicare

A Brief Look at Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C & Part D
Most people get their Medicare health care coverage in one of two ways. Your costs vary depending on your plan, coverage, and the services you use.

Medicare is health insurance for people

age 65 or older,
under age 65 with certain disabilities, and
any age person with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). However the ESRD rule is changing. Beginning in 2021, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan (MA or MAPD) even If you have End-Stage Renal Disease.

Original Medicare Plan
Part A (Hospital)	Part B (Medical)
Medicare provides this coverage. Part B is optional. You have your choice of doctors. Your costs may be higher than in Medicare Advantage Plans.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
You can choose this coverage. Private companies approved by Medicare run these plans. Plans cover different drugs. Medically necessary drugs must be covered.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) Policy
You can choose to buy this private coverage (or an employer/union may offer similar coverage) to fill in gaps in Part A and Part B coverage. Costs vary by policy and company.

Medicare Advantage Plans like HMOs and PPOs
Called "Part C," this option combines your Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical)

Private insurance companies approved by Medicare provide this coverage. Generally, you must see doctors in the plan. Your costs may be lower than in the Original Medicare Plan, and you may get extra benefits.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Most Part C plans cover prescription drugs. If they don't, you may be able to choose this coverage. Plans cover different drugs. Medically necessary drugs must be covered.

If you join a
Medicare Advantage Plan,
you don’t need and
can’t be sold
a Medigap policy.

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