What is it?
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Federal health insurance program for those age 65 or older or younger people who have certain health conditions. Parts A and B comprise
the original Medicare program.
Medicare Advantage (also referred to as Part C) plans are also available in most
areas. They provide managed care and fee-for-service options through private insurers that contract with Medicare.
| Medicare supplement insurance issued by private companies.
| Joint federal-state need-based health insurance program.
Eligibility requirements and covered services vary from state to state.
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What does it cover?
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All or some portion of:
Part A: Hospital and skilled nursing facilities, home health agency care, hospice
care, inpatient psychiatric care, and blood transfusions.
Part B: Doctors, outpatient mental health services, therapy, part-time skilled home
health care, certain preventative services, and other medical services.
Part C: All the benefits offered by the original Medicare plan. Some offer added
benefits such as dental care, eye exams, and hearing aids.
Most offer prescription drug (Part D) coverage.
Part D: Prescription drug coverage (optional).
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All or some portion of:
Medical care not covered by Medicare, deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance;
plans may also cover other services such as eye and dental exams.
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All or some portion of:
A broad range of medical services including inpatient and outpatient hospital care,
prescription drugs, nursing home care, and skilled care.
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Who is eligible?
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Generally, persons age 65 or older, and those with certain disabilities or diseases
are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B.
Anyone eligible for Parts A and B is eligible for Part C and Part D.
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Individuals who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
Those enrolled in Medicare Part C don't need (and can't enroll in) Medigap. |
Individuals who have limited income and resources and who meet other eligibility
requirements.
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What is the premium cost in 2024?
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Part A: Most beneficiaries don't pay for this coverage because of prior Social Security
covered employment.
Part B: Most beneficiaries will pay the standard premium of $174.70. People with higher incomes may pay more.
Part C: Varies by insurer, state, and plan.
Part D: Varies by insurer, state, and plan.
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Premiums vary by company, region, and plan. There are generally 8 available plans,
each offering different levels of coverage. Not all plans are available in every
state.
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No premium.
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What does it take to enroll?
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If you've been receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least four months before you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Part
A and Part B.
Otherwise, you will need to enroll in Medicare through the Social Security Administration by applying online, by mail, or in person.
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Purchase a policy from an insurance company.
You can find information on Medigap policies offered in your area by visiting the
Medicare website or calling (800) 633-4227.
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Application procedures vary from state to state.
For information, contact the agency responsible for administering Medicaid in your
state.
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