Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Medicare 101:
Parts A – B – C – D
Medicare is a federal program that provides individuals 65 years or older healthcare coverage at a small cost. Original Medicare coverage is broken into two parts— Part A and Part B—and is accepted by nearly every doctor and hospital in the country. Medicare Part A covers inpatient or hospital stays while Part B covers outpatient or medical care. There will be a premium on Part B of at least $144.60 a month Together, Part A and B cover about 80% of the typical healthcare costs seniors face—leaving a few significant gaps in coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are supplemental policies designed to help extend coverage, lessen costs, and ultimately give beneficiaries peace of mind at all times.
What is Part C?
Part C is a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage Plans combines Parts A & Parts B and usually Part D. Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer extra benefits not covered by Medicare, such as Dental, Vision, OTC items, Hearing Aids and Fitness Club Memberships.
What is Part D?
Part D is a Prescription Drug Plan. Many Medicare Advantage Plans include a Prescription Drug Plan …but not all do.
Your Initial Election Period (IEP)
You are eligible to enroll in a Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday and up to 3 months after your birthdate.
Annual Election Period (AEP)
The AEP starts at 12:01 a.m. on October 15th and ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 7th of each year. During the AEP you can enroll in a plan, drop a plan, or change plans. You can enroll for Medicare at the Social Security website: www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare. Or call your local Social Security office. After you receive your Medicare card call me and we can discuss your options and find the right plan for you. Go to: www.criscaremedicare.com. There you can shop, compare and even enroll. Or call me any time. Tony Cristee 479-426-2304 Tony-C@cox.net Lic# 7437949 Not affiliated or endorsed by Medicare or CMS
“After you receive your Medicare card call me and we can discuss your options and find the right plan for you.”