The Medicare Basics.
Three months before turning 65, you are eligible to transition your health insurance to Medicare (even if you are currently on an employer health plan). If you are already receiving Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare, Parts A & B. At this time, you will also have the option to decide on your coverage options—adding Medicare Part D with Supplemental Insurance or choosing to enroll with Medicare Advantage.
Part A
Part A is your Hospital Insurance. Covering most all inpatient care:
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All ER & inpatient hospital stays
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Hospice Care
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Home Healthcare
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Skilled Nursing Facility
Part C
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare. This replaces your Medicare Part A and Part B with low or even $0 premiums while offering Prescription Drug Coverage and services like vision, dental, & hearing.
Part B
Part B is your Medical Insurance covering outpatient care, including:
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Physician Visits
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Outpatient Medical Services/Procedures
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Preventative Services & Vaccinations
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Diagnostic Services
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Ambulance Services
Part D
Medicare Part D is a separate Prescription Drug plan that you can add to Original Medicare, as drug coverage is not included in Original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement/Medigap
Medicare Supplement is private insurance that covers costs associated with Medicare Part A and B such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Medicare supplement plans are offered in standardized plans A through N, each with their own benefits and associated premium.
Your Coverage Options.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Many people choose to replace Original Medicare with a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) because it often includes added benefits like dental, vision, hearing, prescription drugs, and wellness perks—all in one plan with low or even $0 premiums.
Medicare Supplement
Alternatively, you can keep Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan which helps cover out-of-pocket costs and offers broad provider access because your plan remains as an open network. While Medicare Advantage offers more bundled value and convenience, Medicare Supplement may appeal to those who travel frequently or want maximum provider flexibility.
