Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
If you live with an eligible disability, or you’re 65 years of age or older, then you are eligible for support through Medicare, which is comprised of two different coverage areas, referred to as “parts.”
Parts included in original Medicare plans cover the following:
- Part A – Covers inpatient care in a hospital context, home health care, hospice care, skilled nursing facility care, nursing home care, and more
- Part B – Covers preventive care through your doctor, as well as other medically necessary services—this could include but is not limited to: ambulance services, mental health support, and more
While there isn’t typically a monthly premium for Part A coverage, Part B coverage does require one. (This Part B premium is usually deducted from your monthly Social Security check.)
Additionally, both Parts A and B require patients to pay deductibles and coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage & Medicare Drug Plans (Parts C & D)
Parts C and D of Medicare are provided through private organizations like BlueCross BlueShield.
These organizations, which are sometimes insurers, contract with Medicare to offer government-approved “enhancements” that replace the basic offerings available through Medicare Parts A and B.
Accordingly, the premiums, deductibles, and other expenses associated with Parts C and D vary depending on what insurer you choose to do business with, and which of their plans you choose.
Here’s a brief rundown of what Parts C and D entail:
- Part C – Medicare Advantage plans (sometimes abbreviated as “MA Plans”) offer a range of enhancements to the typical benefits associated with Medicare Parts A and B; what’s more, they can also include additional services that are not covered by Parts A and B, including prescription drug coverage which is otherwise available only through Medicare Part D.
- Part D – Focusing exclusively on prescription drug coverage, Part D can be purchased as a standalone plan, or be folded into a Part C Medicare Advantage plan