Medicare is the federal health insurance program for: People who are 65 and older Certain younger people with disabilities People with end-stage renal disease (chronic kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation, sometimes called ESRD) What are the different parts Different parts of Medicare help cover specific services: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health aide services. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B covers certain physician services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or shots) Part A and Part B premiums
Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A. If you don’t qualify for Part A without a premium, you can buy Part A. Everyone pays a monthly premium for Part B.
How does Medicare work?
With Medicare, you have options in how to get your coverage. Once you enroll, you will have to decide how you will get your Medicare coverage.
There are 2 main ways: Original Medicare Medicare Advantage
Medicare Prescription Drugs (Part D)
Medicare drug coverage helps pay for the prescription drugs you need. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a Medicare-approved plan that offers drug coverage (this includes Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans with drug coverage).
Each plan can vary in cost and the specific drugs it covers, but it must provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Medicare drug coverage includes generic and brand name drugs.
Plans may change the list of prescription drugs they cover (also known as a “formulary”) and how they place drugs in different “tiers” on their formulary.
The plans have different monthly premiums.
In a Medicare drug plan, they will also have other costs throughout the year. What you pay for each drug depends on the plan you choose.
