Medicare 101

Confused about your Medicare options? Make sure to request a free consultation with Group Benefit Consultants, Inc.

Originating in the 1960s, Medicare is a government-provided fee-for-service insurance program intended primarily for seniors. The program encompasses several distinct parts, each of which is outlined below.

  • Medicare Part A covers facility-based care such as hospital visits, emergency room services, hospice, and nursing home care.
  • Medicare Part B covers traditional outpatient treatments and services, including vaccinations, lab tests, mental health services, outpatient operations, durable medical equipment, and most other medical services not performed in a hospital.
  • Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) covers elements of Parts A, B, and sometimes D.
  • Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs.
  • Medigap comes through private insurance companies and aims to fill in the “gaps” left in the traditional Medicare coverage.

 

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ADVANTAGE PLANS

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare.

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SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE PLANS

Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance that helps fill "gaps" in Original Medicare and is sold by private companies.

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PART D PLANS

Part D (Medicare drug coverage) helps cover cost of prescription drugs, may lower your costs and protect against higher costs.

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