| Turning 65 or going on Medicare for the first time can | | | | the last 10 years. It is sometimes referred to as |
| be an overwhelming experience in one's life. Coupled | | | | "privatized Medicare", but is primarily known as |
| with that, most make an attempt, sometimes futile, to | | | | Medicare Advantage. In Part C, a private insurer that |
| understand the complex world of Medicare and | | | | has a contract with the government takes over |
| Medicare insurance. This article is to serve as a primer | | | | management of all of your Medicare benefits. Your |
| of the "parts" of Medicare, of which there are currently | | | | benefits are all provided through this private insurer - |
| four, and what they do. | | | | you pay premiums directly to this company and they |
| Part A | | | | pay claims on your behalf. |
| Part A is the part of Medicare that everyone gets | | | | This is an optional part of Medicare. You still have to |
| from paying into the social security system during their | | | | pay the Part B premium and you do not altogether |
| working life (as long as they meet the minimum work | | | | "lose" Part A and Part B, but Part C does provide your |
| amount requirements). The primary thing that it covers | | | | benefits in place of A & B. Also, you can not have |
| as inpatient hospital care, and you will sometimes here | | | | (or do not need) a Medicare Supplement plan and Part |
| it referred to as the "hospital" part of Medicare. | | | | C - most elect to either have one or the other. |
| However, it does also cover skilled nursing facility care, | | | | Supplements pay AFTER Medicare pays; Medicare |
| home health care and hospice facility care. | | | | Advantage pays INSTEAD of Medicare. |
| Part B | | | | Part D |
| Medicare Part B is optional - most people who have | | | | Part D is the part of Medicare that you may hear |
| employer coverage that works with Medicare | | | | about the most. This is the portion of the Medicare |
| coverage do not necessarily need Part B until or | | | | program that covers prescription drugs. It is offered |
| unless their employer coverage ends. Medicare Part B | | | | through private companies, which must be certified and |
| has a monthly premium associated with it, that is | | | | approved by the Centers for Medicare & |
| typically paid out of one's social security check. | | | | Medicaid Services on an annual basis to offer this |
| Part B covers "services" primarily, and it is sometimes | | | | prescription coverage (Part D). |
| called the "doctor's office" part of Medicare. Some of | | | | You pay premiums directly to the private companies, |
| the primary things that it covers include doctor's | | | | although most offer the ability to deduct it automatically |
| services, diagnostic tests, outpatient services and | | | | from your Social Security check. This is an optional |
| physical therapy and some preventive-type screenings. | | | | part of Medicare - not everyone signs up for it when |
| Part C | | | | they are first eligible or at all. |
| Part C is the portion of Medicare that was created in | | | | |