The ABC+Ds of Medicare
Brought to you by MyTruAdvantage
Medicare has different parts that cover different services. Understanding these parts will help you know what to look for when determining your needs and when you’re ready to enroll.
Medicare Part A (Hospital care coverage)
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice and home health care. Most people are automatically enrolled in Part A when they turn 65 and do not pay a premium because they already paid for it through payroll deductions.
Medicare Part B (Medical care coverage)
Part B covers doctor services and outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. Most people are eligible to enroll in Part B three months before they turn 65 through 3 months after their 65th birthday. Everyone pays a Part B premium. You should sign up for Part B as soon as you’re eligible, or you could pay penalties later.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage plans)
Medicare Advantage plans include everything Original Medicare covers—everything in Part A and Part B—plus additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing coverage, as well as supplemental benefits like over-the-counter allowances, gym memberships and more. And some Medicare Advantage plans, like MyTruAdvantage plans, also include prescription drug coverage, often referred to as a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan.
Medicare Part D (prescription drugs coverage)
Part D is coverage for prescription drugs and is NOT included in Original Medicare. Make sure to get Part D coverage when you are first eligible for Medicare, or you could pay a late enrollment penalty. This penalty is added to your monthly premium once you decide to enroll—and will continue for as long as you have Medicare. To get Part D coverage, you can enroll in a separate prescription drug plan or a MAPD plan.
Have Questions? Give our experts at MyTruAdvantage a call!
(833) 213-6731 (TTY: 711)
While Deaconess is an owner of MyTruAdvantage, we also participate with a variety of other Medicare Advantage Plans. You may also go to Medicare Plan Finder
(https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare) to learn more about all your Medicare coverage options and/or compare Medicare Advantage Plans.
Medicare 101 Series: We know Medicare can be confusing. This Medicare 101 series will explain the basics about Medicare, so you can select the best options for you when it comes to your health care coverage.