More Information About Medicare
In 2003, the federal government passed the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act, which introduced a new, optional prescription drug benefit, known as Medicare Part D. Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older and certain disabled individuals. There are four parts available under Medicare which are described by the chart below:
| |
Coverage Administered by |
What is Covered |
Enrollment |
Premiums |
| Medicare Part A |
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) |
•Inpatient hospital
•Home healthcare
•Hospice care
•Skilled nursing facility, up to 100 days per year
|
If you’re close to age 65 and aren’t yet getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you must apply for Medicare Part A. |
Most people don’t have to pay a monthly premium for Part A. However, if you don’t get premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy it. For more information, call 1.800.MEDICARE. |
| Medicare Part B |
CMS |
•Outpatient hospital
•Doctors
•Limited preventive care
•Laboratory
•Services not covered by Part A (physical and occupational therapy and home healthcare)
•X-rays
•Durable Medical Equipment
|
You must enroll through Medicare to be covered. |
Monthly premium of $96.40. If you qualify for 'Medicare Savings Program,' your premium will be paid for you. |
| Medicare Part C |
Private health plans |
The same services covered under Parts A and B with additional preventive care coverage and may have prescription drug coverage. |
To be covered, you must enroll through a private Medicare Advantage Plan. |
Monthly premium. (This monthly premium may vary depending on the private health plan selected and level of benefits provided). |
| Medicare Part D |
Private health plans |
Prescription drug coverage. |
To be covered, you must enroll through a private health plan that offers Medicare Part D coverage. |
A monthly premium that may vary depending on the private health plan selected and level of benefits provided. |