Medicare Part A (Hospital insurance) covers inpatient hospital care, critical access care, short-term care in skilled nursing facilities, hospice and some home health care. Medicare typically does not pay for assisted living facilities, nursing homes or long-term care at home. Part A is free to most Medicare beneficiaries if the beneficiary or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while they were working. If an individual is not eligible to receive Part A free-of-charge then the individual may be eligible to sign up for Part A coverage.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers visits to the doctor, outpatient care, some preventative services, as well as some occupational and physical therapy. It may require a monthly premium, which is often based on beneficiary income. It is important to remember that Medicare Part B does not cover 100 percent of services and beneficiaries will be responsible for the balance of expenses not paid for by Medicare.
Prescription Drug Coverage is offered through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. For a monthly premium, Prescription Drug Coverage gives you access to the necessary medication you might need.
Medigap plans are also sold through private insurance companies to cover services for which Medicare does not cover, or only partially covers. This may include co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles and the “gaps” between what Medicare pays and the total expenses.
Pay your out-of-pocket costs with Original Medicare
Does not include Part D prescription drug costs
Can be used with any hospital or doctor in the US that accepts Medicare
No need for prior authorizations or referrals from a primary care doctor
