Medicare is a federal health insurance program. It is available to people 65 and older, people under 65 with certain disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease. When you are ready to decide on a plan, take the time to understand how the plans work. That way, you can make an informed decision and choose the plan that is right for you.
Different parts of Medicare cover different services. The parts of Medicare are:
Part A-Hospital Coverage
- Helps cover inpatient hospital care.
- Helps cover care in a skilled nursing facility or hospice.
- Also helps cover home health care.
Part B-Medical Coverage
- Helps cover doctor and outpatient services.
- May cover preventive services to maintain health or keep illnesses from getting worse.
- In many cases, those who have Part B coverage pay a monthly premium.
Part C-Medicare Basics Advantage
- An alternative to the Original Medicare Basics insurance program and administered by the federal government, Part C gives you the option to enroll in a Medicare Basics Advantage health plan offered by private companies such as 'Ohana.
- Private companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans are approved by Medicare to provide and administer benefits for their members.
- Part C plans cover the same services as Part A and Part B, but may also offer additional benefits not covered by original Medicare.
Part D-Prescription Drug Coverage
- Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
- Offered by private companies like 'Ohana (requiring a monthly premium).
- May be a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan, or may be included with a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).
When It Comes to Coverage, You Have Options:
- You can get health services through Original Medicare and select a private Prescription Drug Plan, like one of 'Ohana's Prescription Drug Plans.
- You can get both your health services and prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan that offers both.
- You can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan from private insurance companies to cover the gaps in Original Medicare.
For definitions of the variety of Medical terms used, view our glossary.