Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).<\/p>\n
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.<\/p>\n
Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.<\/p>\n
A type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. If you\u2019re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, most Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren\u2019t paid for under Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage. Every year between October 15 and December 7 you can make a change to your Part C plan and it will take effect January 1.<\/em> In some situations, you can make changes during other times of the year.<\/p>\n Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re new to Medicare, getting ready to turn 65, or preparing to retire, you\u2019ll need to make several important decisions about your health coverage. If you wait to enroll, you may have to pay a penalty, and you may have a gap in coverage. Use these steps to gather information so you can make informed decisions about your Medicare:<\/p>\n The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.<\/p>\n There are only certain times when people can enroll in Medicare. Depending on the situation, some people may get Medicare automatically, and others need to apply for Medicare. The first time you can enroll is called your Initial Enrollment Period. Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period usually:<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t enroll when you\u2019re first eligible, you may have to pay a Part B late enrollment penalty, and you may have a gap in coverage if you decide you want Part B later.<\/p>\n Most people should enroll in Part A when they turn 65, even if they have health insurance from an employer. This is because most people paid Medicare taxes while they worked so they don\u2019t pay a monthly premium for Part A. Certain people may choose to delay Part B. In most cases, it depends on the type of health coverage you may have. Everyone pays a monthly premium for Part B. The premium varies depending on your income and when you enroll in Part B. Most people will pay the standard premium amount of about $134 in 2017.<\/p>\n If you decide you want Part A and Part B, there are 2 main ways to get your Medicare coverage\u2014Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). Some people get additional coverage, like Medicare prescription drug coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).<\/p>\n Some people automatically get Part A and Part B. If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability. If you don’t get Medicare automatically, you\u2019ll need to apply for Medicare online<\/a> or contact your local Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Call DDI for Help with your Medicare Questions. For additional information go to: www.medicare.gov.<\/a><\/p>\n This website is not endorsed by the U.S. Government or CMS (The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\nMedicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)<\/h3>\n
Getting started with Medicare \u2013 5 Steps<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Learn about the different parts of Medicare<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Find out when you can get Medicare<\/h3>\n
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Step 3: Decide if you want Part A & Part B<\/h3>\n
Step 4: Choose your coverage<\/h3>\n
Step 5: Sign up for Medicare (unless you\u2019ll get it automatically)<\/h3>\n