Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). ESRD is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Medicare Plan Coverage and Cost Change Yearly – For updated Medicare information contact Medicare at www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

The Different Parts of Medicare

Medicare Part A - Hospital Insurance

• Helps cover in-patient care in hospitals;
• Helps cover skilled nursing facilities (not long-term care), hospice care, and home health services.

Medicare Part B - Health Insurance

• Helps cover doctor’s services and outpatient care;
• Helps cover some preventative services to maintain health.

Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage Plans (like HMO or PPO)

• A health coverage choice run by private companies approved by Medicare;
• Includes Part A, Part B, and usually coverage including prescription drugs.

Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage

• Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs

Medicare Coverage Choices

Original Medicare

• Run by the Federal Government;
• Provides Part A and Part B coverage;
• Medicare Prescription Drug Plan can be added;
• Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance sold by private companies) can be purchased to fill in the gaps of Part A and Part B coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plans (like an HMO or PPO)

• Are run by private companies approved by Medicare;
• Provide both Part A and Part B but can charge different amounts for certain services;
• May offer extra coverage and a prescription drug plan for extra cost. Costs for services and items vary by plan;
• Drug coverage, in most cases, must be obtained through your plan;
• You do not need a Medigap policy.

Other Medicare Health Plans

• Plans that are not Medicare Advantage Plans but are still part of Medicare;
• Include Medicare Cost Plans, Demonstration/Pilot Programs, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE);
• Some plans provide Part A and Part B coverage, and some also provide prescription drug coverage (Part D).

For insurance assistance in Florida contact SHINE. 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)

SHINE provides educational materials and free unbiased insurance counseling to Florida elders, caregivers and family members. Their goal is to help elders understand and receive the health insurance coverage they need through Medicare, Medicaid, Prescription Assistance, Long-Term Care Planning & Insurance, and other health care issues.

The information in this article was researched from www.Medicare.gov and www.floridashine.org.