Medicare is the Federal Health Care Insurance Program that begins at the age 65. You should sign up three months before your 65th birthday for Medicare Insurance Part A and B. Younger people may qualify for Medicare with certain disabilities or diseases.
What does each part cover?
Medicare Part A covers your hospital expenses. Coverage includes hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and home health-care services. Deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments may apply.
Medicare Part B is your health insurance coverage. It covers services such as doctor’s office visits, lab work, x-rays, outpatient surgeries, and preventive services such as flu shots. Part B also covers medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers if proven to be medically necessary.
Parts A and B together are called Original Medicare. These two parts are run by the federal government.
Medicare Part C is available through private insurance companies. It helps pay for hospital and medical costs and uncovered expenses that are incurred through the Part A and Part B. There is a limit on the amount you pay out of pocket.
Medicare Part D is only available through private health insurance companies and is a prescription drug plan. It covers brand name as well as generic drugs.
Visit Medicare.gov for additional information.
