When It Comes to Coverage, You Have Options
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that is available to people 65 and older, people under 65 with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). When you are ready to choose a Medicare plan, take the time to understand how each option works. This will help you make an informed decision and select the plan that best fits your needs.
You have a choice in how you receive your Medicare coverage. The two main options are Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C).
What are the parts of Medicare?
Medicare Original es un plan de salud de pago por servicio administrado por el Gobierno federal que consta de dos partes: Parte A (seguro hospitalario) y Parte B (seguro médico) de Medicare. Para la cobertura de medicamentos, puede inscribirse en un plan de medicamentos de Medicare por separado (Parte D).
Conozca más acerca de las partes individuales de Medicare:
Part A - Hospital Coverage
Helps cover:
- Atención de pacientes hospitalizados en hospitales
- Cuidado en un centro de enfermería especializada
- Cuidados paliativos
- Atención médica en el hogar
Part B - Medical Coverage
Helps cover:
- Servicios de médicos y otros proveedores de atención médica
- Cuidado para pacientes ambulatorios
- Atención médica en el hogar
- Equipo médico duradero (como sillas de ruedas, andadores, camas de hospital y otros equipos)
- Muchos servicios preventivos (como exámenes de detección, vacunas y consultas anuales de "bienestar")
Medicare Advantage (también conocido como Parte C)
- Una alternativa “todo en uno” a Original Medicare que incluye la Parte A, la Parte B y, generalmente, la Parte D.
- Los planes pueden tener costos de desembolso directo más bajos que Original Medicare.
- La mayoría de los planes ofrecen beneficios adicionales que Original Medicare no cubre, como servicios de visión, audición, cuidado dental y más.
Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover:
- Cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots and vaccines)
Part D plans are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.
What are Medicare Advantage plans?
A Medicare Advantage Plan is another way to get your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (Medicare insurance) coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are offered by private companies that are approved by Medicare.
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, excluding hospice care. Most plans also include drug coverage (Part D). Medicare Advantage plans often offer coverage for things Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as vision, hearing, dental, and fitness programs (like gym memberships or discounts).
Hay diferentes tipos de planes Medicare Advantage. Los tipos de planes más comunes incluyen lo siguiente:
- Planes Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans (PDF)
- Planes Private-Fee-for-Service (PFFS)
- Special Needs Plan (SNP)
Find a Medicare Advantage plan that may be right for you.