What is Medicare?

Some of you may not even know what Medicare is right now. As of now there is a federal medicare program which means it is funded directly by the government through taxes such as income taxes. It covers people over 65 and some younger people with chronic diseases. This plan has "four" different parts.

Part A

• Covers hospital care, nursing facilities, and hospice.

• No payment needed.

Part B

• Covers doctor visits such as lab tests and wheel chairs. Also, will cover preventative care such as shots or check-ups.

• People will pay a standard monthly premium and an annual deductible, but the preventative services are usually covered.

Part C

• AKA Medicare advantage. This is usually ran by private companies that have a deal. with medicare to provide A and B services. They will offer extra services such as vision or prescriptions.

• This will include monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays all depending on what plan you choose.

PartD

• This covers prescription drug benefits. This can be purchased through a private. company, but if yo have medicare advantage it is most likely included.

• The drug plan will be paid for by a monthly premium.

I hope that you have a basic understanding of what Medicare is, how it is paid for, and what/who it covers.

Staff, Healthwise. “Medicare: What You Need to Know.” Medicare: What You Need to Know | Kaiser Permanente, 11 Feb. 2021, healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.medicare-what-you-need-to-know.abp4811.