Medicare is a complex system with four main parts, but with some guidance, enrolling and getting the coverage you need is simple. Start with this quick guide to Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D so you understand the healthcare needs each section covers and what you need in a right-fit plan. The team at Alpine Agency is here to help first-time enrollees navigate the process and manage their medical needs and services with more confidence.
Medicare Part A: Hospital Coverage
Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient hospital care, access to nursing services, and some home health options. If you’ve paid enough in Medicare taxes, you can receive Medicare Part A without a monthly premium.
What’s Covered
This coverage applies to:
- Hospital stays and in-hospital services
- Care from a skilled nursing team once your hospitalization ends
- Hospice care
- Some, but not all, home health services
Things to Know
Depending on your plan, you may have to pay deductibles and coinsurance. Also, Part A coverage doesn’t include most long-term care or private nursing needs.
Medicare Part B: Medical Coverage
Part B covers most of what people generally consider when they think of health coverage: doctor visits, tests, and outpatient procedures that are part of routine care.
What’s Covered
Specific types of services covered under Medicare Part B are:
- Doctor appointments
- Specialists
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Outpatient procedures
- Preventative care
- Some medical equipment
Things to Know
Just like under Part A, you may be responsible for deductibles or coinsurance payments. Also, while Part B covers a lot, it doesn’t cover most prescription drugs. For that coverage, you need a plan that includes Medicare Part D.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Prescription Drugs)
Medicare Part C isn’t a separate area of coverage. Instead, it is an all-in-one plan with Part A and Part B included, which is called Medicare Advantage. It may also include the final section of Medicare—Part D, which applies to prescription drugs.
Part C: Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is a helpful option for people who want services from one provider because it combines Parts A, B, and potentially D. Medicare Advantage plans are offered through Medicare-approved private insurance providers. As a general rule, it combines hospital and medical coverage, which can simplify services, and you may be able to opt into coverage for vision, hearing, or dental.
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
This coverage is for brand-name and generic prescription medications to lower your out-of-pocket costs. If you have a Medicare Supplement plan or original Medicare, you can get a standalone Part D plan to cover your prescription medications. If you don’t obtain a prescription drug plan at the time of eligibility you could be subject to a penalty that stays with you as long as you have Medicare.
How Alpine Agency Helps You Choose the Right Medicare Plan
Even once you know how the different pieces of Medicare fit together, trying to find the right plan for your current and future medical needs and your budget can be overwhelming. Alpine Agency supports first-time enrollees with our plan guidance services by walking through coverage options, helping to compare the details of plans, and identifying what types of coverage can make the most sense for you. Reach out today to speak to our licensed agents and get their professional review of Parts A, B, C, and D options, so you have more peace of mind every step of the way.
Image Credit // Shutterstock // pics five
