Medicare 101

Original Medicare - Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) are offered by the federal government. 

• Part A helps cover hospital, skilled nursing, home health and hospice care. 
• Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient and preventative care. 
• It may also help pay for services like occupational and physical therapy. 
• With Original Medicare you may pay a deductible and co-insurance.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) –  Medicare Advantage is offered by a private company. 

• You must have Original Medicare to enroll. 
• Covers everything Parts A and Part B cover. 
• Generally includes additional benefits and services. 
• Often there are options available to add supplemental benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. 
• May include prescription drug coverage. 

Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) - Medicare Part D is offered by a private company.

• A prescription drug plan for people with Medicare.
• May be paired with Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement insurance plan with Original Medicare. 
• If  you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, you don't need Part D. 
• Choose a Prescription Drug Plan that covers medicines you take regularly. 
• If you sign up late for  Part B or Part D, you may pay a penalty. 

Medigap –  Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance that helps fill "gaps" in Original Medicare and is sold by private companies. 

• Original Medicare pays for much, but not all, of the cost for covered health care services and supplies. 
• A Medigap policy can help pay some of the remaining health care costs, like: Copayments, Coinsurance, Deductibles.