Medicare is as easy as A, B, C … and D
You may be new to Medicare, but there’s no need to be overwhelmed by all the options and choices Medicare throws at you.
True, Medicare may sound a bit like alphabet soup with all the letters associated with the various Medicare parts and plans, but before long you’ll learn Medicare is as easy as A, B, C … and D.
Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) provides the foundation of your Medicare coverage. Medicare Part A helps cover hospital costs, while Medicare Part B normally pays 80% of the cost of covered medical expenses. Although your initial enrollment signs you up for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, some people decide not to keep Part B coverage. If you’re considering going without Part B, call MedicareMall toll-free at (877) 413-1556 and we’ll be glad to help you determine whether that’s a wise step.
Ninety-nine percent of Medicare beneficiaries are exempt from paying any premium for Part A coverage because they paid into this amount during their working years. The Medicare Part A deductible is set at $1,316 per benefit period in 2017, though the deductible is fully covered under Medicare supplement plans (see below).
In 2017 most Medicare beneficiaries pay a Part B premium of $134 per month.
Once enrolled in Original Medicare, you’ll have the option of signing up for:
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C plans—also called Medicare Advantage plans—are optional Medicare plans offered by Medicare-approved private companies and available to people already enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage plans can provide additional coverage in various areas of health including dental, vision, and hearing, and most plans also include prescription drug coverage. Call MedicareMall toll-free to learn about Medicare Advantage plans available in your area.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans offer prescription drug coverage. With the high cost of prescription drugs, many seniors find Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs) an essential tool for keeping drug costs within their budget.
Though prescription drug coverage is voluntary, anyone enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B is eligible for enrollment in a PDP. Prescription drug plans can be added to Original Medicare or provided through Medicare Advantage plans. If you don’t join a Medicare prescription drug plan as soon as you become eligible for Medicare, you may face penalties and limited enrollment opportunities if you want to join later.
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