Medicare Parts A, B, C and D

 

Here is information about the various parts of Medicare:

Medicare Part A covers all treatments in hospitals. It has an annual deductible. The annual deductible changes yearly. There is no cost for Part A coverage for people who worked at least 10 years and paid FICA taxes during that period. If not, you may be able to purchase Part A.

Medicare Part B pays for physicians, outpatient hospital care, some home health services and durable medical equipment like walkers. There is a monthly cost or “premium” for Medicare Part B. Most people pay the standard Part B premium, but those with a higher adjusted gross income may pay more. Additionally, Part B has a deductible and generally only covers 80% of costs.

Medicare Part D plans (also called Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) help cover costs for prescription medications (Rx). They have monthly premiums and most have deductibles. The plans vary greatly in formularies so people need to consider what prescriptions they take in choosing one.

What about Medicare Part C? Part C offers an alternative, combining Part A + Part B + Part D in one plan. Medicare Part C refers to “Medicare Advantage” plans. Medicare Advantage plans usually combine coverage for in-hospital care, doctor and specialist visits, and prescriptions into one plan. Most of these plans are HMOs, with a primary care doctor coordinating your medical care, but there are PPO plans available in some areas. They are more affordable than other options, but you must receive care from the doctors and hospitals.

What about F, G, N and other Medicare Supplemental Plans?

Medicare Supplement Plans (also known as Medigap plans) help fill the coverage gaps and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Remember, Medicare Parts A and B only cover part of your medical expenses. Your costs for deductibles, coinsurance, and copays can add up quickly. Unlike plans designed since the Affordable Care Act, Medicare plans have no maximum amount you may be billed on claims. So, you need to protect yourself from considerable health care costs if you have a major illness or require surgery. You may be healthy at 65, but you can be turned down for coverage if you do not purchase a supplement plan when you are first eligible. 
 
NOTE: Re Medicare Plan F – As of January 1, 2020, people who are newly eligible for Medicare cannot purchase plans that cover the Part B deductible. This includes the popular F plans. People who have an F plan or were eligible for one before 2020 can still buy F plans. However, if you are eligible from 2020 on, you can buy a G plan, which is the closest to F in coverage.
 
 

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.  We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent nine organizations which offer [insert number of plans] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1–800–MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an insurance agent/producer.