Optima Medicare (PPO)
Introduction to Medicare
The Four Parts of Medicare -- What you can expect from Medicare
Medicare has four parts — Part A, Part B, Part C and now Part D.
Parts A and B are known as Original Medicare. They cover some, but not all, healthcare expenses.
Part A — Hospital Insurance
Part A covers hospital inpatient care if you are hospitalized. Part A also covers some skilled nursing facility, home health and hospice care. If you are entitled to Part A, there is no monthly or annual premium charge, but there is a charge for inpatient hospital stays and related health care services like doctor visits associated with hospitalization.
Part B — Medical Insurance
Part B pays for doctors’ services, outpatient hospital care and home health visits not covered under Part A. It also covers laboratory tests such as X-rays and blood work, medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers, preventive services such as mammograms and prostate cancer screenings, cardiovascular (heart) disease and diabetes screenings, outpatient physical therapy, mental health care and ambulance services.
If enrolled in Part B, you must pay a monthly premium, which is typically deducted from your Social Security check. Medicare Part B also has an annual deductible.
Private Medicare Plans include Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplemental (“Medigap”) Plans that supplement the benefits covered in the Original Medicare program. These types of plans often provide coverage for prescription drugs and additional benefits.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part C is the name for Medicare Advantage Plans that include Parts A and B benefits, and may offer additional benefits or services including prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicare Advantage Plans that combine Part C and Part D benefits are called MA-PD plans.
Part D — Prescription Drug Insurance
Medicare Part D has a separate monthly premium which may vary among plans. Medicare drug coverage is offered through Medicare-approved private plans.
Medicare Part D can be purchased through standalone drug plans (called PDPs) or through a Medicare Advantage Plan (called MA-PD). Help that could reduce or eliminate premiums, deductibles and copayments is available for people on Medicare with limited income and resources.
For more detailed information about Medicare, request a free Optima Medicare Enrollment Kit and Decision Guide.
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