Medicare 101
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal program that offers health insurance to American citizens and other eligible individuals. The program is often called Original Medicare. It has two parts-Part A and Part B.
Who is eligible for Medicare?
Legal residents must live in the U.S. for at least 5 years in a row, including the 5 years just before applying for Medicare.
What are the eligibility criteria’s for Medicare?
You must be Age 65 or older
Younger than 65 with a qualifying disability
Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) help pay for medications. You can get a standalone Part D plan or get a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) helps pay some or all costs not paid by Original Medicare (deduct- ibles, copays and coinsurance).
What are the coverage options?
You can add coverage to Original Medicare or choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
Any age with a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease Original Medicare
(ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
What benefits does Medicare
provide?
Original Medicare
⚫ Part A covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing care.
Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care.
You may add a standalone Part D plan, a Medicare sup- plement plan or both to Original Medicare (Parts A & B). • Parts A + B
Parts A+B plus Part D prescription coverage Parts A+B plus a Medicare supplement plan
Parts A + B plus both Part D prescription coverage and a Medicare supplement plan
Medicare Advantage
You may choose to get your benefits through a Medi-
Private Medicare plans are optional and care Advantage plan (Part C). Many plans come with built- provide more coverage.