The Four Parts of Medicare Explained
Medicare is a four part federal health insurance program. It is intended to provide insurance coverage for people age 65 or older, and those under 65 with disabilities. Medicare is not really intended to pays for preventive health services or routine health services, but rather it covers medically necessary services. Medicare is divided into four parts called Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.
When you join Medicare you are automatically enrolled in Part A. If you automatically qualify for Medicare you do not have to pay a monthly premium for coverage. Part A helps pay for most inpatient hospital care and nursing home expenses. Part B, on the other hand, acts like more traditional health insurance and covers pays doctors’ services, outpatient hospital care, certain therapies, certain home health care services and certain medical supplies. Part B of Medicare is voluntary, but automatically deducted from your Social Security check every month.
Part C combines Parts A and B into an HMO or PPO and is referred to as Medicare Advantage. It oversees the way Medicare benefits are supplied by private companies that contract with the Medicare program. A person with Medicare who enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan typically gets their healthcare services through that plan.
Part D of Medicare is strictly for prescription drug coverage. It offers some help with prescription drugs. The prescription drug coverage is voluntary and the monthly premium will vary depending on the amount of coverage you need.