MEDICARE HEALTH PLANS

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is provided by the federal government. It helps pay for hospital stays & doctors visits, it does not cover everything.  You pay a monthly premium for Part B, and there's usually a deductible and coinsurance involved.  You may add additional coverage to help cover cost offered by private insurance companies. Must sign up for Part D to avoid penalty. 

Medicare Advantage-Part C is a private health insurance plan approved by Medicare.  Most plans offer extra coverage to include: dental, vision, hearing and part D.  You will need to use care providers that participate in the plan's network.  Some plans offer low to no monthly premium with a set yearly deductible limit. Discounted rates for cost of services. Pay as you go. 

Medicare Supplement sold by private companies helps fill in the gaps of Original Medicare.  The monthly premium of Medigap plans varies based on the carrier and  plan letter you choose.  Access to any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare. Does not include Part D,  dental, hearing, vision.  No extra out of pocket expenses for medical care as long  as monthly premium is paid. 

Part D helps lower cost of prescription drugs offered through private plans approved by Medicare.  You will pay a copay or percentage of the drug cost until you reach the yearly limit of $2000 then pay no more.  Advised to enroll when first eligible to avoid penalty.  Most MA plans include Part D.  Stand alone plans may offer a low to $0 monthly premium.  

Original Medicare generally doesn't cover routine dental, vision or hearing services and can be offered through Medicare Advantage plans as an added benefit. Supplement plans do no offer this coverage and will need to be purchased separately. 

The extent of D,V, H coverage can vary between plans so contact your provider to understand services provided. 

Eligibility begins, for most, at the age of 65 as long as you or your spouse have worked for the past 10 years in the US. Generally 3 months before 65th birthday and ending 3 months after- IEP.  If already receiving SS, will be auto enrolled in Part A & B at 65. Can delay Medicare enrollment if still receiving creditable health coverage from employer.