When it comes to your health, navigating through the finer details of behind-the-door office work can be stressful. Instead of placing your concern on what matters most, your health, your left figuring out the more intricate aspects of the different Medicare plans and figuring out which is best for you.
Fortunately, we’ve put together this easy-to-read guide that goes through all four basic parts of Medicare—A, B, C, and D.
To help break down the finer details, we’re going to go through how each part helps pay for certain health care services and which ones are right for you.
Defining Medicare as a Whole
In terms of retirement, planning is always a great idea. One of the costs that you’ll have to plan for is health insurance. Fortunately, we’re here to help you figure out which one works for you, your budget, and your required care.
Since you’re an American, you are required by law to invest in Medicare as a health insurance provider. You may come to find out that you require specific plans and benefits due to your health conditions that aren’t offered by certain types of Medicare—like A or B.
However, since there are other parts available—like C and D—often sold by insurance agencies, this helps gives you a plan for your future and gives you affordable access to certain medical products that you may need.
Available to both seniors over 65 and those who have disabilities under the age of 65, Medicare, which started in 1965 has been a prominent health insurance provider in the States.
The Four Types of Medicare
Although it may seem pretty by-the-book, the costs that come with healthcare can turn out to be pretty costly and even uncertain. Before you navigate in these murky waters, we’re going to help break down the different parts of Medicare below:
Medicare Part A
As the most popular pick with seniors above the age of 65, with Part A, neither the recipient nor the spouse is required to pay any premiums. This is the bare minimum with health insurance and emergency coverage, coming with deductibles for various services.
However, in order to receive the benefits of this “hospital insurance”, including most hospital expenses like skilled nursing facility care, inpatient hospital, home healthcare, hospice care and services such as surgeries and lab tests, Medicare Part A patients need to have already paid their medical taxes, which means their information is already located within the Medicare system.
Although you could qualify for something called premium-free coverage, if you don’t, you could end up paying up to $458 per month.
For Part A, you’ll also be automatically enrolled at least four months before you’re 65 if you have been receiving your Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement Board.
Medicare Part B
Stacking on top of what Part A already has to offer, Part B extends out o the medical and hospital equipment and supply. Covering services that are medically necessary to treat a condition and in preventative care, this insurance has been rightfully donned the nickname “medical insurance”.
With coverage spanning over outpatient services like physical therapy, doctor visits, mental health services, ambulance services, durable medical equipment like walkers and wheelchairs, and some prescription drugs, Part B takes on your medical necessities as well as aiding in preventative care.
You are eligible to enroll in Part B if you’re up for free premiums in Part A. On top of paying a monthly premium—the price depending on your income—you’ll also have to pay 20% of the bills for outpatient services and doctor visits.
For Part B, you’ll also be automatically enrolled at least four months before you’re 65 if you have been receiving your Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement Board.
Medicare Part C
As a complete alternative to Parts A and B, Part C—also called “Medicare Advantage insurance” is available through a private insurance. This part is not available through the conventional Medicare Program.
However, if you do decide to enroll in this program, you’ll have access to more comprehensive coverage of prescription drugs, preferred provider organizations, health maintenance organizations, and your Medical Savings Account Plan.
You’ll also have all services covered that come with the A and B plans as well as some extras, like vision and dental care.
You’ll also see some coverage for shower grips for your home, wheelchair ramps, transportation to and from the doctor, and even meal delivery.
Medicare Advantage insurance can be found through a Medicare’s Plan Finder and private plan provider.
Medicare Part D
If you’re looking for a Medicare program that covers most prescription drugs, Medicare Part D, established in 2003, grants you access to close the biggest coverage gaps in the other Medicare parts.
Provided by private companies, your insurance coverage will be paid for through a premium, which varies from one provider to another.
Deciding Which Part to Choose
It may be confusing at first to pick out the perfect Medicare plan for your situation. However, before you choose, speak with your insurance provider about these factors:
- Current and future prescriptions
- Your current Medicare provider
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses and deductibles
- Location of local doctors or hospitals
Figuring out these factors can help point you in the right direction to a specific Medicare plan that’s right for you.
Final Thoughts
By providing you with four options for Medicare, you’re able to choose from the different factors and aspects that can help meet your medical needs and your financial limits.
We hope that this article has provided you with sufficient information regarding the four different types of Medicare programs available so you’re able to make a well-informed decision.
If you’re in need of any more assistance in choosing the Medicare program that works for you, please get in touch with Every Way Health at 877-460-3943, who can help provide you with more helpful insight.