Understanding the Different Parts of Medicare: A, B, C, and D
Medicare is a comprehensive health coverage program that includes Parts A (hospital care), B (outpatient care), C (Advantage plans), and D (prescriptions). It is important to understand the coverage provided by each part and how they work together to meet your healthcare needs.
Part A
Pays for part of your in-patient hospital care and skilled nursing facility care.
Part B
Pays for your doctor and outpatient care, as well as services at clinics and other health facilities.
Part C
(also known as Medicare Advantage plans) Combines parts A and B and usually Part D. They are network plans and do not allow for coverage or supplements outside their PPO or HMO network.
Part D
Stand-alone prescription drug plans that can be added to help with the cost of prescription drugs.
Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Coverage
Feeling overwhelmed? Let's simplify. While Medicare lays the foundation, a Medicare Supplement plan fills in the gaps, offering freedom to choose any Medicare-accepting provider. Dive into our app for a clear view of what's covered, and consider adding Dental, Vision, and Hearing plans for a full spectrum of care. Don't overlook a Prescription Drug Plan to avoid future penalties and ensure your prescriptions are covered affordably.
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Financial Planning is our business. Our professionals utilize tax strategies to enhance our clients’ financial positions in investments, insurance, and estate planning. The client's best interest is considered paramount in all of our recommendations.
Frequently Asked Quesions
Navigating the waters of Medicare can be overwhelming. Medicare covers a portion of your health costs once you've turned 65; however, having a Medicare Supplement plan will provide coverage that Medicare doesn't provide, and it will help you avoid or reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Supplement plans are all standardized and you have the freedom to go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Prices will vary for these plans depending upon the carrier and where you live.
For more information about what Medicare covers, you can download the What's Covered Official Medicare Coverage App which helps you understand your healthcare coverage offered by Original Medicare Part A and Part B. The app is available in the App Store and on Google Play. Do you need a Dental, Vision, and Hearing plan? Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover dental, vision, or hearing. Medicare Part A will pay for certain dental services you receive if you're in a hospital. Part A can also pay for inpatient hospital care if you need to have an emergency or complicated dental procedures, even though the dental care isn't covered. Medicare Supplement insurance also does not cover these items. It's wise to consider a Dental, Vision, and Hearing plan to work with your supplemental policy.
These plans can be very affordable and will ensure you have coverage anytime you need to visit the dentist or have an eye or hearing exam. Do you need a prescription drug plan? Medicare does not cover the costs of your prescriptions; therefore, it's wise to invest in a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). Unlike Parts A and B, it's not mandatory to enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan, but you may face penalties later on if you decide not to enroll when you're first eligible - when you enroll in Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. These plans are bundled to include Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), and many times Part D (Prescription Drug Plan). Many people opt for Medicare Advantage plans because they're drawn to the very low premiums; however, you must remain in-network with a Medicare Advantage plan and you are NOT free to choose any doctor or hospital. Additionally, networks can change yearly with Medicare Advantage plans, leaving policyholders to look for new plans more often. Medicare Advantage plans often include Dental, Vision, and Hearing as part of their benefits, but each plan is different. We can discuss if this type of plan makes sense for you if you don’t require specific doctors or hospitals.
Medicare Open Enrollment Period: October 15th - December 7th
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You can change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
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You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan
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You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't have drug coverage to one that does offer drug coverage (or vice versa)
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You can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)
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You can switch from one Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) to another PDP
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You can drop Medicare Prescription Drug coverage completely
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Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1st - March 31st
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If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), you can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage).
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You can disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare. If you choose to do so, you’ll be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
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If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without drug coverage) within the first 3 months that you have Medicare.
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