What Are All The Different Parts Of Medicare?
Are you going to become eligible for Medicare but are feeling a bit confused about all of the different parts that are available to form your coverage? If so, you'll want to know more about these plans so that you can be more informed when creating your plan.
Medicare Part A and Part B
The two parts that make up the main form of Medicare are known as Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A covers all of your care when you are in a hospital or a nursing facility. This includes things like the operating room costs, nursing care, your meals, the room you are staying in, and even the special equipment that you need.
Medicare Part B covers all of your doctor visits and services and is the main part of Medicare that you are going to be using. It provides coverage for things like preventive care visits, emergency room visits, outpatient procedures, and even ambulance costs.
There are costs involved when using these plans. However, most people do not pay anything for their Medicare Part A coverage as long as they have paid into it long enough by working and paying Medicare-related taxes. If you have not been working and paying into Medicare, then you may need to pay a premium. Medicare Part B does have a premium involved, but that premium comes out of your social security check.
Medicare Part C and Part D
Medicare Part A and Part B cover a lot of your medical needs, but they do not cover everything. That's where Part C and Part D come into play. Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage, and it covers everything that Part A and Part B cover. However, Part C also covers things like hearing, dental, and vision coverage. Part C even has prescription drug coverage.
It is common for Medicare Part C to have a premium, but sometimes it isn't based on the network of doctors you can visit. However, there are copays and coinsurance as part of Medicare Part C. There is an out-of-pocket maximum though, which protects you from paying more than this limit during the calendar year.
Medicare Part D is strictly for prescription drug coverage. Part D is included in Part C plans, but Part D can also be purchased separately for those people that do not want Part C. When you select a Medicare Part D plan, it's important to look at the covered prescription drugs and to make sure that all of the drugs you take are included.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for Medicare insurance from local providers.