Health Insurance Medicare News

Health Insurance Medicare Benefits

Medicare insurance consists of four separate parts, each providing eligible enrollees with a distinct set of benefits. Part A, “Hospital Insurance,” applies to the cost of inpatient care and generally accompanies Part B, “Medical Insurance,” which requires a separate monthly premium to cover outpatient services.

Health insurance Medicare benefits available under Part A start when a patient is officially admitted to a hospital or a nursing home, including hospice and certain home health care. The patient is free to choose any facility that accepts Medicare coverage. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A, although deductibles and co-pays do apply.

Part B Medicare applies to services received from medical professionals on an outpatient basis. Certain medical equipment and even some care received at home may be covered. Preventive services such as flu shots, check-ups and required visits to specialists fall into this category, as does the treatment of illness and injuries.

Part C, “Medicare Advantage,” is a privately run, government-subsidized alternative combining Part A and Part B insurance. Medicare information about these plans is available on the government website as well as from the many companies offering Part C coverage. These plans cover all the health insurance Medicare basics, and sometimes they even throw in extras such as dental and vision coverage. Premiums and benefits vary, but most companies cover a greater part of the cost when a patient uses their network of providers and facilities. Part C programs usually include Part D prescription coverage.

Medicare-approved private companies offer Part D, “Prescription Drug Coverage,” insurance benefits as a separate policy. People who are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B may add this coverage, but those who have chosen Medicare Advantage may only buy Part D if their plan does not include prescription benefits.

Combining the different parts of Medicare provides more complete coverage than the individual programs offer. Also, as many Medicare tips mention, people who enroll in any type of health insurance Medicare other than Part C may individually purchase additional “Medigap” supplemental insurance from a private company to help with the co-pays and deductibles.