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Medicare health insurance
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What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and some people under 65 who are disabled. It includes:
- Part A - Hospital insurance for some costs like hospital stays, nursing facilities, home health care, and more
- Part B - Medical insurance for some costs like doctor visits, medical services and supplies, and more
- Part D - Prescription drug coverage
Parts A and B together are often called Original Medicare, and they were never intended to pay 100% of medical bills. They have no stop-loss coverage, meaning there’s no limit on the amount you could end up paying out of your own pocket each year for hospital or other medical expenses. To address that, you could get a Medicare Supplement, also called a Medigap plan, or a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan that includes an annual out-of-pocket limit on what you’re responsible for paying.
When do I become eligible for Medicare?
You are eligible for Medicare if you are 65 or older. You can enroll as early as 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday. Some people who have a disability or conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) may be eligible earlier.
What are other options to Original Medicare?
A Medicare Advantage health insurance plan puts your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage together into one plan and must provide as much coverage as Parts A and B do on their own. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare, but not administered by the government. They also often include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, too, and may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t. Medicare Advantage plans are also called Medicare Part C.
How can I get a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan?
You can choose a Medicare Advantage plan for your Medicare insurance option if ...
- You live in the area covered by the plan you want to join and you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully live in the U.S.
- You have Medicare Part A and Part B
- And there are plans in your service area
Related Medicare articles
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.
Sources:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/parts-of-medicare
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan
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