Understanding Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers millions of Americans. In general, you are eligible for Medicare if you are:

• 65 years old or older
• Under 65 years old, receiving Social Security disability benefits and meet certain criteria.

Medicare, administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has four main components: Parts A, B, C, and D.

Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance

Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, some home-health services, and hospice care—usually with no monthly premium.

Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance

Medicare Part B helps pay for physician services, outpatient hospital care, and other medical services not covered by Medicare Part A. Medicare Part B is optional and is purchased from the Federal Government for a monthly premium.

Quick Tip: Medicare Parts A and B are known as "Original Medicare".

Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C plans, usually referred to as “Medicare Advantage plans,” are offered by private health care companies. Medicare Part C plans cover all services under Medicare Parts A and B, plus additional benefits such as hearing, vision and dental. These plans often include prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) as well.

Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D helps pay for outpatient prescription drugs and is available through private health care companies. You also have the option to choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with or without Medicare Part D prescription coverage.

Medicare Coverage Options – You DO Have Choices! 

As outlined above, Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an option that you can chose if you are looking for more flexibility when it comes to your Medicare coverage.

Out of IU Health Plans Medicare Advantage three plan options, two include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. You get the same Medicare coverage that you get with Original Medicare—and more, including savings on costly co-pays and deductibles. You’ll have access to a variety of wellness “extras” that include discounts on hearing, vision and dental services too!