Medicare Plans

Ready to Help You Make Your Medicare Choices

As important as the government's Medicare program is to so many of us, it can also be pretty confusing, which is why you'll want to talk to the knowledgeable team at Health Plans Plus before you make your decisions.

We'll guide you through the complexities, including Parts A through D, and also help you understand how it applies to people younger than 65 who have disabilities or who have terminal illnesses.

Before you talk to us, however, you might want to get know the program in general by checking out the Social Security website or calling the agency at (800) 772-1213.

Medicare Part A Covers Many Inpatient Services

Medicare Part A is designed to cover inpatient hospital care, as well as care in a skilled nursing facility, home health care, and hospice. Basically, you should think of Part A as your hospital coverage and consider how important that will be both for your health and your finances.

Like most insurance, it comes with a deductible. You will have to meet the deductible before Medicare payments kick in.

Medicare Part B Covers Things Like Outpatient Care

Medicare Part B is designed to help you meet costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of most medical conditions.

• Preventative services
• Outpatient care
• Ambulances
• Durable medical equipment
• Examinations and screenings
• Some prescription medicines, such as vaccinations and other injectables
• Some home health services

As with Part A, you will have to meet your deductibles before Part B applies.

Medicare Part C Comes From Private Insurance

Also known as Medicare Advantage, Part C plans are a private insurance alternative to Parts A and B and cover the same care. However, they also can include additional benefits for dental, vision, hearing, and other aspects of your health.

Because Part C plans are offered through private companies, they can be connected to HMOs or PPOs, which means if you go out of network, care may not be covered. Be sure to ask Health Plans Plus about the pros and cons of Part C plans when you talk to us!

Medicare Part D Helps Pay for Your Medications

Part D is also offered through private insurers. It's designed to help you pay for prescriptions medications, which can be quite expensive when you have acute or chronic illnesses.

You can either enroll in a Part D plan on its own when you have Part A or Part B, or the plan may be part of your Part C Medicare Advantage plan. In either case, you will be issued a prescription card that can help you cut medication costs.

Although you are not required to have Part D insurance, if you need it later in your life, there will be late-enrollment penalties attached to your plan. Again, you'll want to talk about your situation with our specialists.