Medicare Part A covers expenses related to inpatient hospital stays, including care in a skilled nursing facility or rehab hospital. Often referred to as hospital or nursing care, it helps pay for services like room and board, nursing, and other inpatient costs—excluding physician services. In most cases, you won’t have to pay a premium for Part A.
Medicare Part B helps cover outpatient care and doctor services. This includes things like routine doctor visits, lab tests, diagnostic screenings, outpatient procedures, and certain therapies such as physical therapy or home health care not covered by Part A.
Unlike Part A, Part B is optional and comes with a monthly premium. Most people choose to enroll to ensure they have comprehensive coverage for ongoing medical needs outside the hospital.
Medicare Advantage plans are new health care options that are part of the Medicare program. Coverage may include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage as well as hospital, doctor, skilled nursing, and other medical services.
A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance, sold by private companies, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Medicare Part D is the federal government’s prescription drug program that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area.
Most of our clients are surprised to hear that Medicare doesn’t offer much coverage when it comes to dental, vision, and hearing services. We’ve come to understand that all three of these areas play a vital role when it comes to our overall health, so it’s a wonder Medicare doesn’t include these in its benefits.