Medicare Simplified

Understanding Medicare: A Guide to Your Coverage Options

Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for:

People age 65 or older
Individuals under 65 with certain disabilities
People of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant

Medicare is divided into different parts, each covering specific healthcare needs:

Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance

Cost: Most people don’t pay a premium, as they have already contributed through payroll taxes.
Covers:
- Inpatient hospital stays, including critical access hospitals
- Skilled nursing facility care (not long-term or custodial care)
- Hospice care
- Some home healthcare services (eligibility conditions apply)

Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance

Cost: Requires a monthly premium.
Covers:
- Doctor visits and outpatient care
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Home healthcare services not covered by Part A
- Medically necessary preventive services and screenings

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Cost: Requires a monthly premium.
Available Since: January 1, 2006
Covers:
- Prescription drug costs
- Protection against rising medication expenses
Important: If you don’t enroll when first eligible, you may face a penalty if you join later.

For more details, visit www.cms.gov.

Need Help? By calling the number on this website, you’ll be connected with a licensed Medicare agent who can assist you in finding the right plan.