Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older, as well as some individuals under 65 with certain disabilities or medical conditions. It helps cover many healthcare costs, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.

There are different parts of Medicare that each cover specific types of healthcare services. Understanding these parts is the first step toward choosing the right coverage for you.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older, as well as some individuals under 65 with certain disabilities or medical conditions. It helps cover many healthcare costs, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.

There are different parts of Medicare that each cover specific types of healthcare services. Understanding these parts is the first step toward choosing the right coverage for you.

When can i enroll in medicare?

You can enroll in Medicare during one of the following periods:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is a 7-month window that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends 3 months after.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year. You can make changes to your coverage during this time.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): If you’ve had certain life changes—like losing employer coverage—you may qualify to enroll outside the usual windows.

Lisa can help you determine when and how to enroll based on your unique situation.

The a,b,c, and d of medicare

Part a - hospital insurance

Let’s break down each part of Medicare and what it covers:

Part A – Hospital Insurance
Part A helps cover:

-Inpatient hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
-Some home health care

Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part b - Medical Insurance

Part B helps cover:

- Doctor visits
- Outpatient care
- Preventive services (like screenings and vaccines)
- Durable medical equipment

There is a monthly premium for Part B, which may vary based on your income.

Part c - Medical Insurance

Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle Parts A and B—and often Part D—into one plan. Many also include extra benefits like:

- Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
- Wellness programs
- Over-the-counter benefits

Lisa can help you explore if a Medicare Advantage plan is a good fit for your lifestyle and needs.

Part d - prescription drug coverage

Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medications. These plans are offered by private insurers and can be added to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or included in a Medicare Advantage plan.

It's important to enroll in drug coverage when you're first eligible, even if you don’t take any medications now. Delaying enrollment may result in a late penalty.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

MedicYou have two main coverage options:

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. You can add Part D for prescription drugs and a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) to help with out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative that usually includes Part A, B, and D, plus extra benefits.

Each option has pros and cons, and Lisa is here to help you compare and choose what works best for you.
Lisenced Healthcare Agent

Hello, I'm Lisa Kumhala.

My services are always free, and my goal is simple: to help you understand all your options so you can choose the plan that’s truly right for you—without any pressure or confusion.

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