Let Us Demystify Medicare

Let’s face it. Medicare is confusing.

— How is Part A different than Part B?

— Do you need a prescription plan?

— What about a supplement?

— And just what is Medicare Part C?

If all these terms have your head spinning, you’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to choose a Medicare plan that provides the right coverage at a cost they can afford.

We can help you demystify Medicare so you can feel confident and get a plan that meets your needs. Here are some basic definitions to help you get started.

• Medicare Part A: Pays a portion of fees associated with hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, some home health care services and hospice care.
• Medicare Part B: Pays a portion of doctor’s services, outpatient care at a hospital, x-rays and lab tests, some home health care, durable medical equipment and supplies, ambulance services, physical and occupational therapies and some preventive care.
• Medicare Part C: Also called the Medicare Advantage Program, restricts the doctors and hospitals you can use, but generally pays more of the costs associated with care. That means you’ll pay less out of pocket when you need to see a doctor, have therapy or undergo a procedure or test.
• Medicare Part D: This is prescription drug coverage. It is not sold by the government, but by private insurance companies.

Trying to decide whether you will benefit more from a traditional Medicare Part A and B or an Advantage Plan is tough. That’s why you need someone to help you navigate the murky Medicare waters.