Medicare

Services

Medicare Part A

Eligibility for Medicare Part A is earned by paying Medicare taxes while working for 10 years (or 40 quarters). If you or your spouse do not qualify for Part A, you will need to pay a premium. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and home health care services. You may need to pay deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Medicare Part B

Most people pay a premium for Medicare Part B. Even if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that provides your Part A and Part B benefits, you will still pay your Part B premium.  Medicare Part B covers services tht treat illnesses or conditions such as doctor’s office visits, lab work, x-rays, and outpatient surgeries. It also covers preventive services like cancer screenings and flu shots.  Part B also covers medically necessary durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and diabetic shoes as part of treatment for a disease or condition.

Services

Medicare Part D
Prescription Drug Plans

Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs. Although Medicare Part D coverage is optional, it can be valuable if you take medications. You will pay a late enrollment penalty if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part D Coverage when you are first eligible. You can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage either through an independent Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or through a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes prescription drug coverage.