Medicare is a health insurance program for:
People age 65 or older.
People under age 65 with certain disabilities.
People of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
Medicare has different parts that help cover specific services
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, including critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. Beneficiaries must meet certain conditions to get these benefits. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A because they or a spouse already paid for it through their payroll taxes while working.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B helps cover doctors' services and outpatient care. It also covers some other medical services that Part A doesn't cover, such as some of the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health care. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to everyone with Medicare. To get Medicare prescription drug coverage, people must join a plan approved by Medicare that offers Medicare drug coverage. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part D.
This information is from www.cms.gov
Medicare Advantage Plans:
Medicare Advantage plans are one way to manage your medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage plans, often called "Part C" plans, are offered by private insurance companies and must follow rules given to them by Medicare. When a person chooses a Medicare Advantage plan you are choosing to have that company manage your Medicare for you; you still have the same rights and protections that are given to you under original medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may cover Part D prescriptions and things that aren't covered by Original Medicare like fitness programs, hearing aids and dental services.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription coverage. However, there are some types of medicare plans that do not include prescription coverage. In this case, a person may join a separate prescription drug plan. Note that if you join a medicare advantage plan without Part D covereage you are not allowed to purchase a separate prescription plan.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap):
Medicare Supplement plans give a person extra coverage to help you pay for your Original Medicare out of pocket costs.
*Cooper Planning Group is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.