Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to those who are 65 years of age or older and to some qualifying younger individuals due to a disability or illness. When enrolling for Medicare, you have a few options to choose from, including Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D and Medigap. Each plan offers coverage for different healthcare services and situations, and it can get confusing trying to select the best plan for you.

Traditional Medicare

Traditional Medicare plans include Part A, Part B and Part D. You can enroll in Part A and Part B at your local Social Security office. Part D plans are offered through private insurance companies, and you cannot enroll in Part D plans at your local Social Security office.

• Part A: Offers coverage for inpatient hospital services, after-hospital skilled nursing and short-term home health care, hospice services and physical therapy.
• Part B: Covers outpatient medical care, doctor visits, preventative care, home healthcare services, ambulance rides, labs and testing and more. Part B will cover 80% of approved medical costs after you pay the annual deductible.
• Part D: A voluntary program that provides Medicare members access to affordable prescription medications. There are penalties to Medicare members who do not enroll in a Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage Plans/Part C

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are alternatives to Traditional Medicare plans that are offered by private insurance companies. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, benefits come from a private plan, not Medicare. Most advantage plans combine medical, dental, vision, hearing and fitness coverage, as well as Part D coverage.

Medigap/Supplemental Plans

For services that traditional and advantage plans do not cover, Medigap and other supplement plans are available. There are several advantages to supplemental policies, including the freedom to choose your own medical provider and hospital, no referrals to see specialists, predictable out-of-pocket expenses, nationwide coverage and guaranteed renewability. Supplemental plans do not include Medicare Part D, so you will need to enroll in separate Part D coverage.

Need help enrolling in a Medicare plan?

Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing, but HealthLinc is here to help! Our navigators can review your options, discuss the benefits of each Medicare plan and help ensure that you make the correct choice for your health care! Schedule a no-cost appointment today by calling 1-888-580-1060 Ext. 4405 or emailing navigator@healthlincchc.org