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If you're approaching age 65 or helping a loved one with their healthcare decisions, you've probably heard the term Medicare. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? Let’s break it down so you can feel more confident about what Medicare is and what it offers.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance for people ages 65 and older. However, certain people under the age of 65 with disabilities may apply as well, such as people of any age with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or permanent kidney failure that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant. Now here is where it gets a little more confusing. Medicare is designed to help cover many healthcare costs. Still, it does not cover everything, so it is essential to understand your options.

4 Parts of Medicare

Part A-Hospital Insurance
Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care. It is commonly known as hospital insurance because it helps cover inpatient care costs. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Part B-Medical Insurance
Part B covers outpatient and preventative care, typically covering services you would receive outside hospitals. This coverage will be used for everyday health concerns and regular doctor visits. Part B will also cover lab tests, x-rays, vaccines, screenings, medical equipment, and mental health services.

Part C-Medicare Advantage Plus
Medicare Part C is also called Medicare Advantage Plus. Think of it as an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Other benefits offered are vision and dental care, hearing aids, and coverage for over-the-counter items.

Part Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription medications not included in Original Medicare. These plans are also offered through private insurers and can be added to your Medicare coverage.

How to Enroll

You can start signing up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. You can also sign up during your birthday month and up until three months after your birthday month. If you miss any of these periods, you can sign up during the Annual Enrollment Period, which is Oct. 15- Dec. 7.

Important Dates

January 1st to March 31st is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. During this time, you can make changes to an existing Medicare plan. As we said earlier, you can enroll in a new Medicare plan from October 15th to December 7th. These changes will go into effect on January 1st of next year. And year-round, there is a special enrollment period where you can make changes based on special life circumstances.

Want to learn more? We’re here to help

We’ve only barely scratched the surface. If you’re looking for a more in-depth explanation of Medicare and how you, as an individual, can benefit from it, stop by Mayflower Medical Group. Starting the month of May, we will continuously have licensed professionals available at two of our locations throughout the week. These professionals are there to answer your questions if you want more information.

Session Schedule:

Covina
1433 N. Hollenbeck Ave., Suite 200
Wed: 10 AM–1 PM | Thu: 9 AM–1 PM

West Covina
140 N. Orange Ave., Suite 100
Tue: 9 AM–1 PM | Wed: 9 AM–12 PM
Give us a Call (626) 800-1200

**Not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or federal Medicare Program**