Parts of Medicare (2024)

Part D (Drug coverage)

Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines). You join a Medicare drug plan in addition to Original Medicare, or you get it by joining a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage. Plans that offer Medicare drug coverage are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

Extra insurance you can buy from a private company that helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare. Policies are standardized, and in most states named by letters, like Plan G or Plan K. The benefits in each lettered plan are the same, no matter which insurance company sells it.

Your Medicare options

When you first sign up for Medicare and during certain times of the year, you can choose which way to get your Medicare coverage. There are 2 main ways:

Parts of Medicare (2024)

FAQs

How do I get answers to Medicare? ›

Live chat with us, and find local organizations that can help answer your Medicare questions. You can also: Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays.

What are the parts of Medicare easily explained? ›

Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage. Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more information). Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover? ›

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Long-term care (also called. custodial care. Custodial care. ...
  • Most dental care.
  • Eye exams (for prescription glasses)
  • Dentures.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What are the four parts of Medicare and what do they cover quizlet? ›

Q-Chat
  • Part A. covers hospital inpatient care, inpatient stays in most nursing facilities, hospice & home health services. ...
  • Part B. covers doctors visits, most outpatient/preventative care, PT and OT. ...
  • Part C. called "Medicare Advantage," managed care. ...
  • Part D. drugs/pharmaceuticals.

Does AARP help with Medicare questions? ›

AARP's Medicare Question and Answer Tool works as an online planning resource, designed to assist those who are eligible for Medicare benefits as well as those who are unsure.

Is the Medicare exam hard? ›

Many returning Medicare agents say AHIP is easy — once you get the hang of it. Nobody's perfect, especially when learning something new! If you get more questions incorrect than you thought you would, or if you fail your first time taking the final AHIP exam, don't fret. Just study up on those areas a little more.

Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills? ›

Medicare doesn't typically cover 100% of your medical costs. Like most health insurance, Medicare generally comes with out-of-pocket costs including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. As you'll learn in this article, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) costs can really add up.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans? ›

In some cases, your doctor may not agree with your insurance provider's decision to approve a less expensive treatment before paying for a more expensive one that your doctor may recommend. Providers in Medicare Advantage networks may also have to take time away from patients to spend it on pre-authorization paperwork.

Does Medicare pay for a colonoscopy? ›

Colonoscopies. Medicare covers screening colonoscopies once every 24 months if you're at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren't at high risk, Medicare covers the test once every 120 months, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy. There's no minimum age requirement.

What is covered through Medicare Part A? ›

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

What does Medicare Part D consist of quizlet? ›

What are the basic characteristics of medicare part D? Medicare Part D help cover the cost of prescription drugs, is run by medicare approved insurance companies, may help lower prescription drug costs, and may protect against higher costs in the future.

How is medicare part C different from the other parts of Medicare? ›

Medicare Advantage (also known as “Part C”) is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare. These plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover.

Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare? ›

A certified SHIP counselor can help you: Learn the basics of Medicare, including who is eligible. Review your options for health and/or prescription drug coverage. Understand Medicare out-of-pocket costs as well as programs that can help you pay for these costs.

What is the best resource to understand Medicare? ›

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides information about Medicare coverage, Medicare health plans, Medicare quality initiatives and free publications. The Medicare Helpline: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY: 1-877-486-2048. Find your state Medical Assistance Office.

Do I call Social Security for Medicare questions? ›

Contact Social Security to: See if you're eligible for Medicare; Create a my Social Security account to do things like request a replacement Medicare card and report a change of address, name, or phone number; Sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance);

How do I contact CMS with questions? ›

Telephone numbers and web link information related to specific Medicare questions.
  1. Medicare Service Center: 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
  2. Medicare Service Center TTY: 877-486-2048.
  3. Report Medicare Fraud & Abuse: 800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
  4. Medicare.gov.
  5. Medicare Helpful Contacts Page.
  6. Medicare Fraud & Abuse.
Sep 6, 2023

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