Part A: “Hospital Insurance”, covers inpatient hospital, certain skilled nursing and skilled home health services. It does not cover long term or custodial care.

Part B: “Outpatient Services”, covers Medicare eligible physician’s services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services or therapies, and durable medical equipment.

Part D: “Prescription Drug Coverage”, offered through stand alone plans via private insurers or as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Medicare Advantage Plan (AKA Part C): Health Plans such as PPOs and HMOs that are approved by Medicare and run by private companies. They may include additional benefits not covered by regular Medicare and may require you to use networks of providers and follow other restrictions.

Medigap Plan (AKA Supplemental Policy): These policies help pay some of the costs not covered by regular Medicare (such as co-pays/deductibles).

*If your income is above $82,000 for a single individual and $164,000 for a married couple, the premium will be scaled higher, up to $238.40.

This information provided by Aging Wisely, a comprehensive care management company offering medical advocacy and care management services. Our Benefits Specialist is available to help with insurance, bill paying, and benefit issues. We can assist with Medicare and Medicaid questions, insurance claims, help apply for benefits, choose facilities, make appeals, and with many related concerns.
Contact us at 727-447-5845/813-249-6507.

Reference: www.medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE

Related posts:

1. 2009 Medicare Fact Sheet
2. 2010 Medicare Fact Sheet
3. 2008 Medicare Update
4. Medicare Part D Information
5. 2009 Medicare Update