Medicare
Medicare Advantage
Medicare 101

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as those with certain disabilities. Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private companies that contract with Medicare. Medicare 101 is a course that covers the basics of Medicare.

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Medicare only pays for approved services. Medicare Advantage plans must cover all Medicare-approved services, but they can also offer extra coverage, such as prescription drugs, dental, and vision. Medicare 101 will teach you about the different types of Medicare plans and what each covers.

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What is Medicare?

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Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as those with certain disabilities. Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private companies that contract with Medicare.

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What services does Medicare cover?

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Medicare only pays for approved services. Medicare Advantage plans must cover all Medicare-approved services, but not at 100%. In fact, the summary benefits document notes a maximum out-of-pocket for both in and out-of-network services. (some as high as $10,000)

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You can get Medicare coverage in two ways: Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). If you have Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or provider that accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you usually need to stay within your plan's network. There are four parts to Medicare: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

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Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B (medical insurance). If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may pay different amounts for your premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover—like routine dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

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What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

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Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as those with certain disabilities. Medicaid is a state-run program that helps low-income people pay for medical care.

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How do I sign up for Medicare?

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If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) at age 65. If you're not receiving Social Security benefits, you can sign up for Medicare online at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.

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