Like most insurance programs, Medicare can be very difficult to understand. When you have specific questions, it is always a good idea to consider consulting an expert like an elder law firm. Here is a simple primer on the basic parts of Medicare and how they can affect you.
The Four Parts of Medicare
Medicare is broken up into four basic parts, labeled A, B, C and D. Each portion covers or is used for a different situation.
- Medicare part A – This is insurance for when you visit the hospital. It is only used for hospital visits and should not be confused with doctor or specialist visits.
- Medicare part B – This is used for outpatient services, like having an x-ray, or for visits to doctors or specialists. It is not for hospital visits; that is covered by part A.
- Medicare Part C – This is called the Medicare Advantage plans portion. What this does is combine the parts A and B together into what might seem like a more familiar HMO or PPO type insurance. These plans are offered by private companies, not the government, so there are many options that might be available to you. Beyond your coverage in Parts A and B, Advantage plans can also provide benefits for vision, dental, hearing aids and other services, including chiropractic care.
- Medicare Part D – This part is for prescription drugs. Part D can also be included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Contact Stano Law for any questions about Medicare or how to claim your benefits.
