MEDICARE

What does each part cover? Expand each section to learn more.

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

    Part A covers inpatient care in a hospital,  short-term skilled nursing facilities, home health services, and hospice care.

  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

    Part B covers doctors’ services (including those in the hospital), outpatient care, preventive care, and some medical equipment and supplies.

  • Medicare Part D (Prescription Drugs)

    Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

  • Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

    Part C allows you to receive all of your covered Medicare benefits through one plan. Medicare Advantage plans (typically HMOs or PPOs) must cover all of Part A and Part B services, and most plans include Part D in their benefit packages. Some plans provide extra services that original Medicare doesn’t cover such as dental, vision, and hearing.

Medicare Q&A

  • What is Medicare?

    Medicare is a federal program that began in 1966. It provides guaranteed health insurance for those who are 65 and older, those who are younger than 65 but qualify on the basis of disability, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease.

  • What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

    Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those who are 65 and older, have a qualifying disability, or have ESRD, regardless of income. Medicaid is a state and federal funded program which provides health coverage for those with lower incomes. The eligibility rules for Medicaid are different for each state.

  • Does Medicare cover Long-Term Care?

    No, Medicare does not cover long-term care. However, Medicare does cover up to 90 days in a Skilled Nursing Facility. It’s important to have a plan in place for long-term care.


    Click here to learn more.

  • Does Medicare cover pre-existing conditions?

    In general, yes. There are certain instances when underwriting may be required or there may be a waiting period.

  • When is the Annual Enrollment Period?

    The annual enrollment period occurs each year from October 15th - December 7th. Any changes will take effect January 1st of the following year.

  • When should I enroll?

    The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7 month period around your 65th birthday. You can enroll 3 months prior to your birth month and up to 3 months following your birth month. To ensure your coverage starts as soon as possible, you will need to enroll during the 3 months prior to your birth month.

  • What if my birthday is on the 1st of the month?

    If your birthday is on the 1st of the month, you can enroll 4 months prior to your birth month instead of the usual 3 months prior. 


    Note: The 7 month Initial Enrollment Period does not increase to accomodate this. Instead of 3 months prior and 3 months following your birth month, you can enroll 4 months prior and 2 months following your birth month.

What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy?
A Medigap policy helps cover the remaining medical cost that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. If you already have a Medigap policy, we may be able to help lower your costs. Many carriers offer discounts such as a Household Discount (two enrolled members in a household) which can lower monthly premiums.

Please note, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

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