What Seniors Need to Know About Medicare Coverage

Navigating the world of Medicare can feel like trying to traverse a maze without a map. Becoming well-acquainted with what Medicare covers—and what it doesn't—is crucial for seniors aiming to manage their health care expenses. Here’s a breakdown of what Medicare entails and some avenues to explore if those benefits fall short.

Basic Medicare Coverage Explained

At its core, Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for those 65 and older, although it does cover some younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare coverage is split into distinct parts, each offering different types of health benefits:

Medicare Part A is often referred to as Hospital Insurance. It helps cover inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A, as they're likely to have paid sufficient Medicare taxes while working.

Medicare Part B is Medical Insurance. This part covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. It does have a monthly premium that varies based on income.

Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Private insurance companies approved by Medicare offer Advantage plans, which often come with additional benefits like vision, hearing, and dental coverage.

Medicare Part D provides Prescription Drug Coverage. This helps seniors manage the often-high cost of prescription medications.

What Medicare Doesn't Cover

While Medicare offers a broad range of benefits, some gaps remain. It's essential for seniors to note that Medicare does not cover: