Medicare is our Federal Insurance Program designed for people 65 years or older, certain people with disabilities, and those with permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant. Also known as Original Medicare, there are 2 Parts to Medicare – Part A (hospital insurance), and Part B (medical insurance). A patient can schedule and see any doctor or hospital in the country that takes Medicare.
Medicare Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage for those who have been admitted to a hospital by their doctor. Some in-patient skilled nursing facility care, some home health care, and hospice care are also covered under Part A. There is no monthly premium for Part A coverage for those who have 40 or more quarters of Social Security credits (10 years of work), and who are eligible to receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. A co-insurance may apply after a 60-day benefit period has been reached.
Medicare Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage for services such as doctor’s visits, outpatient hospital care received, physical & speech therapy, laboratory testing fees, ambulance services, some medical equipment/supplies and some home health care. There is a monthly premium individuals must pay for Part B coverage that is based on their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).
Medicaid is a separate health insurance program administered by the government that is intended to help people with low incomes and very limited resources. There are income and resources requirements one must meet in order to qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid offers coverage similar to Original Medicare (Part A and B), but it also includes prescription drug coverage. One can be dually-eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid and obtain each.
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has lived here at least 5 years can enroll in Medicare 3 months before or after they turn 65. One can also enroll if they’ve been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months, or if they have end-stage renal disease or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Those receiving Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or disability benefits, will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A & B, and sent an Initial Enrollment Package with Medicare Card 3 months prior to a 65th birthday or 24th month of disability. Others will need to file an application through the Social Security Administration.
Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) are private health plans that contract with the federal government to provide the same Medicare benefits included with Original Medicare (Part A & B); however, different costs, rules, and restrictions may apply, and added benefits may be offered above what Original Medicare provides, such as: gym memberships, prescription drug coverage, health and wellness services, and transportation for doctor’s visits.
There are 5 different plan types under the Medicare Part C umbrella: Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPO), Health Maintenance Organization Plans (HMO), Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA), Private Fee for Service Plans (PFFS), and Special Needs Plans (SNP).
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans offer a network of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and health care providers that you can choose to receive care from. Out-of-pocket costs are minimal if you stay in network. You can seek medical care outside of the network and still be covered, though not fully, so there may be some additional costs. Medically necessary emergency and urgent care are always covered though. Most PPO plans come with prescription drug coverage, but some don’t, so make sure you compare the plans. Some of the extra benefits that may be offered include: dental, vision, and hearing coverage, gym membership, transportation services, and even meal delivery.
HMO plans are generally more limited than Original Medicare. They don’t allow HMO members to see providers outside of their network, and if one does, they would be responsible for the full cost. The exception to this is in the case of emergent care or out-of-area urgent care. HMO plans are required to offer the same benefits as Original Medicare, with the option to include prescription drug coverage benefits. Extra benefits, such as: dental, hearing, and vision coverage, meal delivery, and transportation to and from medical appointments may also be found in these plans.
These plans combine a high-deductible insurance plan with a medical savings account Medicare funds that can be used to pay for health related expenses. You cannot fund your own Medical Savings Account. Once the Medical Savings Account runs out of money, you would be required to pay any expenses out-of-pocket until your deductible is reached. The funds used from the Medical Savings Account for Medicare Eligible expenses also count towards the plan’s deductible, and any funds still in the account at the end of the year will stay in the account to be used towards future expenses.
PFFS plans identify a set rate for all services you could receive. You are allowed to see any Medicare-approved provider, but some providers may not accept the terms of the plan. A list of in-network providers who have agreed to treat members of the plan is generally available. All PFFS plans must also cover out-of-network care received, though you may pay a higher cost. PFFS plans are not available in every state, so reach out with any questions about your particular state.
Special Needs Plans are designed for people who suffer from a severe, chronic, or disabling condition. These plans cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and many have additional benefits included to cover extra services that members often need. You may qualify due to a specific disease, unique health care needs, or limited income.
You don’t need to sign up for Medicare each year. However, each year it is recommended you review your coverage, and make any changes you need. Those who are currently on a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug plan can make any changes during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7). One can also qualify for a special election period to make changes outside of the Annual Enrollment Period in certain situations. Reach out to our team to discuss.
Also known as Medigap, Medicare Supplements are Supplemental insurance policies that help you pay the out-of-pocket costs (coinsurance & copayments) of Medicare. Some will also help cover emergency care that may be needed when traveling outside the U.S. (which Medicare won’t do).
There are 10 different Medicare Supplement plans available in 47 states — Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan provides a specific level of coverage for these costs: Part A coinsurance, deductible, hospital expenses, and hospice care coinsurance/copayment, and Part B coinsurance, copayment, deductible, and excess charges. Plans can also provide a specific level of coverage for foreign travel emergency care, skilled nursing care facility coinsurance, and blood for transfusions.
Coverage is guaranteed issue, regardless of health status, if you enroll during the 6 month, Open Enrollment Period that starts the first month you are 65 and enrolled in Part B. One can still apply for a plan outside of open enrollment periods; just be aware that in most states, the carrier will use medical underwriting to determine whether to accept your application, and how much to charge.
Original Medicare does not cover the cost of prescription drugs. Medicare Part D is the insurance plan that covers the cost of outpatient prescription drugs.
The specific list of drugs covered under a Part D plan is known as a “formulary.” Many plans will place the drugs they cover into different “tiers” based on their formularies, with the lowest tier usually having the lowest costing drugs.
Cancer plans are insurance policies that supplement your current health plan to offset the typically high costs associated with a cancer diagnosis. Benefits generally include hospital stays, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and other types of cancer treatment, though they can vary by plan.
Lisa Lauro
504 South Main Street
Zelienople, PA 16063
The purpose of this website is to provide general information on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Part D, and other health insurance related information. At Secure Money Health, we believe that everyone should have access to the information needed to make an informed, confident decision about their healthcare. Calling the number on this site will connect you to a licensed insurance agent.
Secure Money Health has researched government websites and publications in an effort to provide you with information. We believe the sources we use to provide information to be reliable. However, we do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information. All materials on this site are for informational purposes only. The contents of this website are subject to change without notice. If you would like to find more information about the Government Medicare program, please visit the Official U.S. Government website for Medicare, located at medicare.gov.
Secure Money Health is not connected with, affiliated with, or endorsed by the United States government, the Federal Medicare program, or a state agency. Medicare has not reviewed nor endorsed this information. Products sold by our team are backed by the insurance company’s guaranteed association and underwriting powers.
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
