Perhaps you are over the age of sixty five. You may be on a disability pension. Understanding your Medicare coverage is very important. Here is information that you may wish to consider.

Part A

Part A will pay for your hospital stays. It also pays for nursing care facilities. It will cover home health care and hospice, too. Most people will not pay extra money for part A. They will receive it at age 65. You may not have paid in enough over the years, to qualify. If your spouse has paid in, this will cover you. If not, you may be able to purchase part A.

Some will receive part A without the need to sign up for it. Others will have to sign up. If you are not currently receiving it, you will need to sign up. The period is three months before your 65th birthday. It extends to four months prior to that birthday, also.

Doctor visits and part B

Part B concerns doctor visits. This also pays for procedures like outpatient surgery. It also covers some preventative services. When you get a flu shot, part B pays one hundred percent of the charge. You will need to pay a monthly premium for this type of coverage. It is usually subtracted from your Social Security check, each month. Most people will pay the standard amount. However, you may receive assistance if your income is low enough.

Advantage plans and part C

Part C concerns Advantage Plans. These plans give you the option to join HMO or PPO plans. If you do, your normal Parts A and B will be transferred. These plans can offer more benefits to some people. You may have much lower deductibles. They may also include prescription drug benefits. You will be limited on hospital and doctor selection.

You may join some of these plans for no additional payments, each month. You will still have to pay your part B premiums. There are some plans that require additional premiums. However, you will receive added benefits for your money. You may also receive lower deductible amounts.

Drugs and part D

If you sign up for part D, you will have help with your prescription drugs. This is a very important option with a separate premium. Many prescriptions are very expensive. They also may be necessary. In some cases, elderly people may have to choose between food and prescription medication. This program is aimed at avoiding these things.

Conclusion

Understanding your Medicare coverage is vital to your health and finances. There are four major parts. Part A is about hospital stays and other facilities. Part B will pay for doctor visits and flu shots. Part C offers alternatives like HMO and PPO plans. Part D will help you pay for prescription medications.

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