Understanding Medicare
What is Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States. It primarily serves people aged 65 and older, and certain younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare is divided into parts: Part A covers hospital stays, and Part B covers doctor visits. Part D offers prescription drug coverage, which you can add separately.
There's also Medicare Advantage (Part C), a private plan alternative that combines coverage. Original Medicare allows you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. However, it doesn’t cover everything — like dental, vision, or long-term care. Choosing the right plan helps ensure you get the care and coverage you need.
Understanding Medicare & Medicare Advantage
Medicare is a federal health insurance program mainly for people aged 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with certain disabilities. It includes Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor and outpatient care). You can also add Part D for prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurance companies. These plans combine Part A, Part B, and often Part D, along with extra benefits like vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs.
The main difference is flexibility:
- Original Medicare lets you visit any provider that accepts Medicare, but offers limited extra benefits.
- Medicare Advantage may limit provider choice to a network, but includes more comprehensive, all-in-one coverage.
