Part D (Drug coverage): 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:
FAQs
How do I get answers to Medicare questions? ›
Do you have questions about your Medicare coverage? 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) can help. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. What should I have ready when I call 1-800-MEDICARE?
What are the parts of Medicare explained simply? ›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? ›- Long-Term Care. ...
- Most dental care.
- Eye exams (for prescription glasses)
- Dentures.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
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.
How do I get my $144 back from Medicare? ›- Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
- Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible).
- Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.
- Routine dental exams, most dental care or dentures.
- Routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts.
- Hearing aids or related exams or services.
- Most care while traveling outside the United States.
- Help with bathing, dressing, eating, etc. ...
- Comfort items such as a hospital phone, TV or private room.
- Long-term care.
Part A (Hospital Insurance): Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care. Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps cover: Services from doctors and other health care providers.
How much is Medicare Part B monthly? ›Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($164.90 in 2023). Social Security will tell you the exact amount you'll pay for Part B in 2023. You pay the standard premium amount if you: Enroll in Part B for the first time in 2023.
Do you need all parts of Medicare? ›It depends. The automatic and traditional type of Medicare (Part A and Part B) will not cover long-term care, routine dental or eye care, dentures, or hearing aids. 11 In order to have fuller coverage, it is important to look into additional options like Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medigap coverage.
How do I get a Medicare manual? ›To get a paper handbook, call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Do I need Medicare Parts A and B? ›
You Need Part B if Medicare Is Primary
It is your outpatient coverage. Once you retire and have no access to other health coverage, Medicare becomes your primary insurance. Part A pays for your room and board in the hospital.
Medicare Part C plans offer all the benefits of Original Medicare, plus extra coverage that can save you money, like: Prescription drug coverage (Part D) Routine dental care including cleanings, X-rays, and dentures. Routine vision care including contacts and glasses.
Does Medicare Part A cover 100 percent? ›For a qualifying inpatient stay, Medicare Part A covers 100 percent of hospital-specific costs for the first 60 days of the stay — after you pay the deductible for that benefit period. Part A doesn't completely cover Days 61-90 or the 60 “lifetime reserve days” you can use after Day 90.
What does Part B not cover? ›Generally, most vision, dental and hearing services are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Other services not covered by Medicare Parts A and B include: Routine foot care. Cosmetic surgery.
Can Social Security help me with Medicare questions? ›Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the agency in charge of the Medicare program, Social Security processes your application for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). We provide general information about the Medicare program and can help you get a replacement Medicare card.
How can I get explanation of benefits from Medicare? ›Each month you fill a prescription, your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan mails you an "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB). This notice gives you a summary of your prescription drug claims and costs.
What do they do for a welcome to Medicare exam? ›- Certain screenings, flu and pneumococcal shots, and referrals for other care, if needed.
- Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements.
- A calculation of your body mass index.
- A simple vision test.
- A review of your potential risk for depression and your level of safety.
If you have received services but have not received an MSN, call 1-800-MEDICARE or access your MSN online by creating or logging into your secure Medicare account at www,medicare.gov/account (however, you should still request a paper copy for your records).