Parts of Medicare (four parts of medicare)

• Part A (Hospital Insurance)
  Most people do not have to pay for Part A.

• Part B (Medical Insurance)
  Most people pay monthly for Part B.

• Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)
  Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare; plans are government subsidized and regulated.

• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
  Part D Plans are offered by private companies to provide coverage for prescription drug costs; plans are government subsidized and regulated.

What Medicare Pays and Doesn't

Medicare does not cover everything.  It is important to understand what is covered and not.  Original Medicare has limited benefits for a number of items and includes deductibles and coinsurance for a number of other benefits.  Medigap (Medicare supplement) plans cover the costs not covered by original Medicare, but only covered those things covered under original Medicare.  For services not covered under original Medicare your supplement most likely not cover any of these costs either.  Medicare advantage plans do often cover some additional benefits not covered under original Medicare.

Understanding Your Expenses (example of costs with and without coverage)

Medsupplement Worksheet

Use this simple worksheet we've prepared to compare the costs between a  medicare supplement with a medicare advantage plan.

What is Medicare Part A

Part A are those services covered under original Medicare most often associated with hospitalization or major medical.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare.gov

This site is provided by the federal government and hosts a wealth of information for those who are eligible or currently being provided services through Medicare.   With the amount of information available on this web site it may sometimes seem confusing or overwhelming, in particular only medicare information is included.  Other information which may be combined with medicare to assist consumers minimize their costs while maximizing their benefits is not available at the government's health site.  Information concerning discount plans, free Rx programs, supplement plans etc. are not available at medicare.gov. 

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government, the Federal Medicare program, or any state.