What Are the Major Medicare’s Options That Everyone Should Know?

Posted by Arif on October 15th, 2021

Medicare is quite confusing and complicated because too many options are accessible on the ground. To make medicare much easier, the program has been divided into four major parts. You should have enough knowledge about these four parts before looking for the best Medicare Near Me. 

Original Medicare has two parts: part A (hospital insurance) and part B (medical insurance). Original Medicare is the U.S. federal health care program. It is specially made for both medicare parts A and B. It is a fee-for-service plan, and thus, you will go to any doctor or hospital that enrolled in and accepts medicare insurance to get the treatment. 

Part C (medicare advantage) and part D (prescription drugs) are the other two major types of medicare. Part C is the managed form of medicare run by private insurance firms. It covers similar services as parts A and B but not hospice care. You can use part D medicare to get the benefits of prescription drugs.

But, original medicare is getting more popular among the people. Originally, the Medicare program is introduced to assist people of 65years old or above. Now, it becomes available to people below 65years and has certain disabilities such as end-stage renal disease. In the following section, you will know more about the Original Medicare Part A and B. 

What does medicare part A and B cover?

As soon as you turn 65, you can enroll in part A. In case if you are collecting Social Security disability advantages already, you will be registered in part A automatically. In simple words, you will enroll in part A whenever you apply for medicare. It covers hospice care, hospital stays and skilled nursing care. 

There is no need to pay the premium for part A because your employer has already paid the medicare tax. But, it does not mean that part A is completely free. You will charge a deductible every time you admit to the hospital. You can spend some money and purchase a Medigap policy to cover this hefty deductible. 

Original medicare part B covers the lab tests, doctor visits, screenings, ambulance transportation, medical equipment and other outpatient services. Not like part A, part B involves more costs. You have to sign up for it when working or covered by your spouse’s healthcare plan. Medicare used to pay 80% of approved charges, whereas you have to spend 20%. This part is completely optional. It is because you must pay a monthly premium and meet the deductible before claiming the Medicare benefits.  

Things not covered in Medicare part A and B

• Long term care
• Cosmetic surgery
• Health care service outside of the U.S.
• Eye examinations for prescription glasses
• Dental care service
• Hearing aids
• Routine foot care

No matter what kind of Medicare plan you choose, it is mandatory to meet the eligibility criteria. You will automatically enroll in Medicare parts A and B when you become 65years, getting social security, paid medicare payroll taxes when employed. You will pay the monthly premiums according to your income.