Facts About Medicare

Getting Medicare is a major milestone. Here’s where you can get the information you need, no matter where you are in your Medicare journey.

5 important facts:

1. Some people get Medicare automatically, and some have to sign up. You may have to sign up if you’re 65 (or almost 65) and not getting Social Security.
2. There are certain times of the year when you can sign up or change how you get your coverage.
3. If you sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you can avoid a penalty.
4. You can choose how you get your Medicare coverage.
5. You may be able to get help with your Medicare costs.

What’s Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

• People who are 65 or older

• Certain younger people with disabilities

• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

What are the Parts of Medicare?

The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services:

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
  Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
  Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
• Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage plans)

• Part C often referred to as Medicare Advantage is an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B and usually Part D.

• Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)
  Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines).