What does Medicare cover?
- October 17, 2022
- Posted by: Guerrilla Group
- Category: Medicare
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When you first enroll in Medicare and during certain times of the year, you can choose how you get your Medicare coverage. There are two main ways to get Medicare:
- Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
- Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).
Additionally, some people require extra coverage, like Medicare drug coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).
What is Original Medicare?
- Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance).
- You can elect to join a separate Medicare Part D, drug plan to get Medicare drug coverage.
- With the Original Medicare you can use see doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the United States.
- To help pay your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (like your 20% coinsurance), you can also shop for and buy a Medigap Plan.
What is Medicare Advantage?
- Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C).This is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage.
- These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
- In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors who are in the plan’s network.
- Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
- Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, and dental services.
What doesn’t Medicare cover?
Medicare doesn’t cover everything. Some of the items and services Medicare doesn’t cover include:
- Long-Term Care (also called custodial care )
- Most dental care
- Eye exams related to prescribing glasses
- Dentures
- Cosmetic surgery
- Acupuncture
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
- Routine foot care
Have more questions about Medicare and the plans available to you? Contact Julie Hasselbach