Insurance and Patient Information

Part B (“Original Medicare”) is your Medical Services & Supplies Coverage.  It helps pay for services such as doctor’s visits, preventative care services, outpatient procedures, rehabilitation therapy, lab tests, X-rays, mental health services, and medical equipment such as diabetes testing supplies, nebulizers, and walkers.  Part B is optional and most participants pay a monthly premium and annual deductible.

Part C (“Medicare Advantage”) is your Private Insurance Coverage.  You must have both Part A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.  Part C provides all Part A and Part B benefits, except hospice care.  In addition, it generally offers additional benefits, such as vision, hearing, dental or fitness, and sometimes even combines Part D coverage.  The monthly premium, copays, and deductibles vary by plan.

Part D is your Prescription Drug Coverage offered through private plans approved by Medicare to help lower out-of-pocket prescription costs.  You must have both Part A and B to enroll in Part D.   It can either be a stand-alone Prescription Drug Pan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) Plan.  The monthly premium and sometimes a deductible, as well as copays vary by plan.