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What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for people who are 65 and older. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions or permanent disabilities can also benefit from this program.
Similar to Social Security, Medicare is an entitlement program that most US citizens become eligible for by working and paying taxes for a minimum period of time; which is typically 40 quarters (10 years). Most people join the Medicare program after turning 65 years old, or when they retire and leave their group health insurance.
The Foundation of Medicare Coverage is Comprised of Four Parts:
“Original Medicare” consists of Part A and Part B. Together, they provide the foundation for your health insurance coverage.
Part A – This is commonly known as hospitalization insurance. This mostly covers the cost of your time in the hospital (inpatient care), skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, home health care, and more.
Part B – This helps cover your doctors visits and other services including: outpatient procedures, x-rays, lab tests, and preventative services.
“Medicare Advantage Plans” are known as Part C. This combines Part A and Part B coverage.
Part C – These plans are offered by private insurance carriers who have a contract with Medicare and are required to offer the same benefits as Original Medicare. You may enroll in this option to replace your “Original Medicare” (Part A and Part B).
Part D – This is your prescription drug coverage. This is offered to everyone with Medicare. Most Part C plans cover prescription drugs; however, you may be able to add drug coverage to some plans, if they are not already included.
What is Covered by Original Medicare?
The combination of Parts A & B of Medicare make up what we call “Original Medicare.“
coverage while on Medicare. This foundation of coverage is usually complemented by either
electing a Medicare Supplement, or Part C Advantage plan.
Medicare Part A
What’s covered?
Medicare Part A is often referred to as “hospital insurance” since it covers your care while in a hospital. It will also cover some care in nursing facilities, assisted living, home health care, hospice and more.
In General, Part A covers:
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care
- Inpatient Care in Hospital
- Nursing Home Care (as long as custodial care is not the only care you need or long-term care)
- Hospice Care
- Home Health Care
Medicare Part B
What’s covered?
Medicare Part B is medical insurance and covers services such as Doctors, X-rays, lab tests and other outpatient services.
In General, Part B covers:
- Outpatient Care
- Clinical Research
- One-Time “Welcome to Medicare” Wellness Exam
- Annual “Wellness” visit every 12 months
- Laboratory Tests – X-rays, blood work, etc.
- Ambulance Services
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) – Wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, home oxygen equipment, etc.
- Prosthetics & Orthotics
- Mental Health Care
- Preventative Services
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How Much Does Part A Cost?
You usually don’t pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) coverage if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.”
If you buy Part A, you’ll pay up to $471 each month in 2021.
Most people get premium-free Part A. You can get premium-free Part A at 65 if:
• You already get retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
• You’re eligible to get Social Security or Railroad benefits but haven’t filed for them yet.
• You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
If you have to buy Part A, you will pay up to $471 per month in 2021. People that paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $471 in 2021. If you paid Medicare taxes for 30-39 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $259 in 2021. Any expenses you incur while an inpatient in the hospital would fall under Part A of Medicare. You would have to pay a $1,484 annual deductible before your Medicare Part A hospitalization coverage begins.
If you’re under 65, you can get premium-free Part A if:
- You have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months.
- You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and meet certain requirements.
Part B Costs:
How Much Does Part B cost?
In 2021, most people will pay the Part B premium of $148.50 each month. However, you could owe more if your individual income is over $88,000 or your joint income over $176,000. To find the cost that you could owe based on your income bracket, please reference the table below:
Social Security will contact some people who have to pay more depending on their income. The amount you pay can change each year depending on your income. If you have to pay a higher amount for your Part B premium and you disagree (for example, if your income goes down), use this form to contact Social Security.
If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
