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Medicare

Medicare is the national health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Some people under age 65 with certain disabilities and people with permanent kidney failure are also eligible. Medicare has four parts:

Part A is hospital insurance.

Part B helps pay for medical services that Part A doesn't cover.

Part C is called Medicare Advantage. If you have Parts A and B, you can choose this option to receive all of your health care through a provider organization, like a health maintenance organization (HMO).

Part D is prescription drug coverage. It helps pay for some medicines.

For more information on Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov.

People who are enrolled in the Original Medicare plan (all services are provided through Medicare) may also purchase Medigap insurance. Medigap is sold by private insurance companies. It helps pay for some of the services not covered by parts A and B. Medigap policies must offer standard benefits that comply with federal and state laws. You may be able to choose from up to 12 different plans that have different levels of payment. Medicare Advantage (Part C) members cannot purchase Medigap polices.

To find out more about Medigap plans, visit www.medicare.gov/medigap.

Additional Resources

Publications

2009 Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare — This guide has easy steps to help you buy Medicare Supplement Insurance.

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/02110.pdf

Guide to Medicare Preventive Services — There are steps you can take to lower your risk of disease and illness. Medicare is providing coverage for these preventive services to help you stay healthy. Read this publication for more information on covered services, and talk with your doctor about your risk of developing these health problems and your need for these preventive services.

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10110.pdf

Medicare & You 2009 — This publication provides information on Medicare benefits: who's eligible, how to enroll, what medical/hospital expenses are covered, and how much of the bill you are responsible for paying.

http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf

Steps to Choosing Long-Term Care — This web page is a guide to help Medicare beneficiaries choose a long-term care facility for quality care.

http://www.medicare.gov/LongTermCare/Static/StepsOverview.asp

Women with Medicare - Visiting Your Doctor for a Pap Test, Pelvic Exam, and Clinical Breast Exam — This publication has information for women on what is covered in the Original Medicare Plan, what Medicare covers, and what a Medicare member is responsible for financially.

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/02248.pdf

Your Medicare Benefits — This booklet explains Medicare part A and B benefits, including which health care services and supplies are covered, when they are covered and how much you pay.

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10116.pdf

Your Medicare Rights and Protections — This booklet has information on your rights through Medicare. It explains your right to get the health care you need, your right to file a complaint, and where you can get more information.

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10112.pdf

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.