Hospital insurance
Helps with inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no monthly premium if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years of work.
Medicare basics
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and for some younger people with certain disabilities or conditions. Here is how it works, in plain language.
Who can get Medicare?
Medicare started in 1965 and is run today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). You may qualify if you are:
- Age 65 or older
- Under 65 and receiving Social Security disability benefits
- Living with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS
The four parts of Medicare
Parts A and B together are called Original Medicare.
Medical insurance
Helps with doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services like screenings. Part B has a monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage
Plans offered by private insurance companies. They cover everything Original Medicare covers and often add extras such as dental, vision, hearing, or drug coverage.
Prescription drugs
Original Medicare does not cover most prescriptions. A Part D plan can be added to help with medication costs.
What Part A does not cover
Part A generally does not pay for private-duty nursing, personal care items, a TV or phone in your room, or a private room unless medically needed. You will also have a deductible for each hospital benefit period.
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare covers many services but leaves some gaps. Many people add a Medicare Supplement and a Part D plan, while others choose a Medicare Advantage plan with extra benefits built in. The right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel, and budget.
That is exactly what we help you sort out.
Have questions? Talk with a licensed advisor for a free, no-obligation review.
Call 412-844-4856