Quick Start guide to understanding medicare

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Medicare Part B is the part of Medicare that covers outpatient and medical services. It helps pay for care you receive outside the hospital, including:

• Doctor visits
   
• Outpatient services
   
• Preventive care (annual wellness visit, screenings, vaccines)
   
• Lab work and X-rays
   
• Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
   
• Emergency room and urgent care services (when not admitted)
   
• Certain home health services
   

Part B has a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and typically 20% coinsurance for most services after the deductible is met.

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company instead of Original Medicare.

Here’s what it includes:

• Combines Part A and Part B into one plan
   
• Most plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage
   
• Often offer extra benefits not included in Original Medicare, such as:
   
  • Dental
     
  • Vision
     
  • Hearing
     
  • Fitness memberships
     
  • Over-the-counter allowances
     
• Plans use provider networks (HMO, PPO, etc.), which means costs and rules vary by plan
   
• You still pay your Part B premium and sometimes an additional plan premium
   

In short: Part C bundles your Medicare benefits and often adds more coverage, all administered by a private insurance carrier.

Medicare Part D is the part of Medicare that provides prescription drug coverage.

Here’s what it includes:

• Helps pay for prescription medications you fill at a pharmacy
   
• Covers both brand-name and generic drugs
   
• Each plan has its own drug list (formulary) and tiers
   
• You may pay a monthly premium, plus copays or coinsurance for your medications
   
• Offered only through private insurance companies, not the federal government
   

You can join a Part D plan if you have Medicare Part A, Part B, or both, and you can change plans during set enrollment periods each year.